Newly Admitted: The Skills You Didn’t Learn in Law School P2

Join us for this two-part skills series for newly-admitted attorneys covering all the things you REALLY need to know to practice law. Part 2 will cover: Deposition and Discovery Basics and Basic Trial Skills.

The course begins by demystifying the discovery process, offering strategies for drafting effective demands, handling Bills of Particulars, and navigating the complexities of state and federal rules. The instructors provide a deep dive into deposition tactics, sharing on-the-ground techniques for preparing witnesses, managing difficult adversaries, and utilizing tools like the three-chapter method for witness prep. As the curriculum shifts to the courtroom, viewers will gain critical insights into the mechanics of trial, including the nuances of filing a Note of Issue and understanding the difference between pick-and-go and pick-and-pass procedures.

Furthermore, this program offers a comprehensive look at trial advocacy skills. Smiley and Solomon break down the art of jury selection, explaining the strategic differences between White’s method and the Struck method, and how to effectively read a room during voir dire. The course also covers the essential mechanics of admitting evidence, delivering compelling opening statements, and mastering cross-examination through proper impeachment techniques. By combining professional procedural knowledge with "in the trenches" tips—such as the water bottle trick for memory lapses and the hand signal method for deposition control—this course equips newly admitted attorneys with the confidence to handle their first cases with professionalism and skill.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Understand the strategic importance of discovery demands, responses, and the preservation of evidence.
• Master deposition techniques, including how to handle obstructive counsel and properly prepare clients for testimony.
• Differentiate between jury selection methods and execute effective challenges for cause and peremptory strikes.
• Learn the step-by-step process for laying a foundation to admit evidence, including photographs and business records.
• Develop skills for crafting persuasive opening statements that frame the case theme without arguing the evidence.
• Acquire the ability to digest deposition transcripts and utilize them to impeach witnesses effectively during cross-examination.