Trial Skills 2013 Promises the Best of Trial Advocacy

Preparing a case for trial is much like preparing a canvas for a portrait. At first, you need to properly decide the theme of the portrait. Next, you need to decide the medium to be used. What story will the portrait tell the jury? How will the jury respond to the final product? 

Join us for Trial Skills 2013 this Friday, April 12 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and you will learn from some of the most talented artists in our field. The course will be structured as if it were a trial. We will take you from creating your theme to voir dire, client preparation, opening statement, motivational demonstrative evidence, effective cross-examination, choosing jury instructions, closing statements and preserving issues for appeal. No matter how many trials you have participated in, this CLE offers everyone the chance to perfect his craft.

Time is running out. Reserve your seat today. See below for registration links.

 Here is a preview of our agenda and all-star line-up...

VOIR DIRE / OPENING STATEMENT 

with Annie P. Kaplan, Fay Kaplan Law, PA

 

EXAMS OF CLIENTS / PREPPING YOUR CLIENT 

with David A. Harak, Harak Law Firm, LLC

 

DIRECTING PLAINTIFF / DIRECTING EXPERT 

with James L. Otway, Otway, Russo & Rommel, PC

 

WOWING THE JURY / EXHIBITS 

with a very special guest to be announced...

  

CROSS EXAMINATION / CROSS EXAM DME / CHALLENGES 

with William H. Murphy, Jr., Murphy, Falcon & Murphy

  

JURY INSTRUCTIONS / VERDICT SHEETS

with Hon. Steven I. Platt (Ret.), The Platt Group, Inc. 

  

CLOSING ARGUMENTS 

Robert R. Michael, Shadoan, Michael & Wells, LLP

 

POST-TRIAL MOTIONS / APPELLATE ADVOCACY 

with Hon. Joseph F. Murphy, Jr. (Ret.), Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White LLC

& David M. Kopstein, Kopstein & Associates, LLC

REGISTER ONLINE

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Federal Employees Focus of Trial Reporter Spring Issue

The spring issue of the Maryland Association for Justice's quarterly journal, Trial Reporter has been released, and the topic is one that hits very close to home: Representing Federal Employees. Featured articles include:

• “Disability Retirement Benefits for Federal Employees and Postal Workers” by Elliott Andalman & Peter L. Casciano
• “Representing Employees With Federal Sector Workers Compensation Claims” by Lynette A. Whitfield
• “Litigating Adverse Actions Before the Merit Systems Protection Board” by Kevin Owen
• “A Guideline to the Federal Sector Equal Employment Opportunity Administrative Process” by Shannon C. Leary
• “Navigating the Federal Sector Mixed Case Claims Process” by Kevin Owen
• “Recognizing FEHBA Liens When Filing a Lawsuit for a Covered Employee” by Nathaniel C. Fick, Jr.
• “Military Retirement and Disability Benefits in Divorce” by David S. Goldberg

Didn't receive the print issue? You can read the optimized digital edition here.

Related links: 

• Trial Reporter, Spring 2013
• About Trial Reporter
• Trial Reporter Archives Members-only Access

MAJ Announces Family Law 2013 Seminar

Do you practice family law? Do you use expert witnesses? Do you want to know how judges view the testimony of your expert witnesses? Do you want to know how to present expert testimony in a compelling manner to the judge in your case?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you cannot afford to miss the MAJ Annual Family Law Seminar, "How Family Law Judges Want You to Litigate Divorce Cases -- With or Without the Experts."

The seminar will be held on Friday, April 26, 2013 from 9-1 at the Columbia Doubletree Hotel.

If we told you that we had two moderators with decades of family law experience, would that interest you?

OK, how about if we told you that we have circuit court judges from Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County and Prince George s County? You really should not miss out on that.

But wait, there is more!! We will also have at least six yes, we said six tried and true expert witnesses to educate both the audience and the judges and be part of an incredible dialogue.  We have forensic accountants, we have child custody evaluators, we have vocational specialists and perhaps even more.

Oh, and that is only half of the seminar!

The other half of the seminar will focus on the case where your client cannot afford an expert. What will the Court do when the 9-207 assets all say unknown value?  Will a judge value a family business if there is no expert testimony because no one could afford an expert? What if there is a real need for a forensic accountant but it is absolutely out of financial reach?  How will the Court treat a custody case where a treating psychologist has a great deal to say but there is no privilege attorney and no other way to bring in the testimony?

You will learn more from this half-day seminar than you could from years of practicing family law!

One last question: can you really afford to miss this seminar? Register today.

REGISTER ONLINE

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

MAJ Report – What is MAJ?

When our members mention the Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ), one of the most frequently asked questions is: What is MAJ? 

Formerly the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA), we are a professional association, dedicated to serving the trial lawyers of Maryland and beyond. Our mission is a deep dedication to improving the civil justice system through legislative advocacy and the professional and ethical development of attorneys who represent the injured.

Simply put, we provide our members with three key services: professional development, legal resources and advocacy. As the largest and most active specialty bar association in the state, our goal is to help our members best serve their clients.

Beginning with professional development, we offer an extensive list of programs and services, keeping our members on the cutting edge of their field. Throughout the year, you will see notices for at least 10 CLE programs a year, covering a wide spectrum of practice areas of topics. These widely attended events bring in acclaimed speakers and are consistently well attended and rated. Beyond the classroom, we offer key resources such as list servers and practice-related sections. These tools allow our members to connect with those most closely working in their area of practice and exchange ideas and information on an incredibly large scale. Additionally, our new lawyer members benefit from a comprehensive program, deeply focused on mentoring, free/low-cost educational programming and career assistance. Throughout the year, MAJ also offers case evaluation clinics, networking events and opportunities to volunteer with MAJ and shape the direction of the association.

With our extensive array of legal resources, we give even the smallest law firm access to research and information most large firms dream of. Our document and deposition banks host more than 10 million documents, compiled nationwide, making case research as simple as the click of a button. We also offer directories for both experts/legal services and lawyer referrals (LawyerSearch). For additional member benefits and resources, members have access to the MAJ website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and MAJ staff are always happy and willing to answer any inquiries.

Finally, one of our most important duties is to represent our members and their clients interests in both Annapolis and the courtroom. Each year, our legislative team works tirelessly during the General Assembly to fight for bills which protect the citizens of Maryland, and battle those which seek to restrict their rights. In the courtroom, our active Amicus Committee supports several cases on appeal through amicus curiae briefs in the Court of Appeals.  MAJ’s work even extends to helping our local community through the MAJ Foundation. Through this public outreach members are encourage to volunteer and support several projects throughout the year focused on public safety and education.

MAJ membership is more than just an annual dues payment. It is a portal to the trial lawyer’s professional success. To join or learn more, please visit our website.

Military Veterans and Their Families focus of Trial Reporter, Winter 2013 Issue

MAJ's quarterly journal, Trial Reporter kicks off its 34th publication year with the Winter 2013 issue, focused on military veterans and their families. Featured articles include:

• "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Criminal Defense" by Jeanne M. Ripley

• "The Federal Tort Claims Act: What Every Service Member and Their Attorney Need to Know" by Karl J. Protil, Jr.

• "Military/VA/TRICARE Liens and Litigation Considerations" by Nathaniel C. Fick, Jr.

• "Personal Injury Settlements and Veteran Benefits" by Mary E. O’Byrne & Sage Graham

• "Security Clearances: What Counsel Should Know" by Dennis J. Sysko

• "Jurisdictional Issues in Military Divorce" by Maureen Glackin

• Charts focused on Social Security Disability v. Veteran's Benefits and The Benefits Process: VA vs. SSA by Richard P. Neuworth & Michael Melick

The issue will hit members mailboxes next week but why wait? You can read the optimized digital edition here. 

Related links: 

• Trial Reporter, Winter 2013
• About Trial Reporter
• Trial Reporter Archives Members-only Access

MAJ Workers’ Comp Seminar Features Commissioners & Hot Topics

The 2012 – 2013 Maryland Association for Justice seminar season is off to a running start with our annual Workers’ Compensation Seminar on September 27th at the Radisson Lord Plaza in Baltimore City. This event is promising to be one of the best of the year. The agenda is packed with experts discussing current issues and tips for attorneys. Attendees of this seminar will walk away with information they will use for years.

MAJ is excited to have attorney Kathleen Cahill of the Law Offices of Kathleen Cahill join us as one of our esteemed session speakers. Kathleen Cahill has been practicing employment and civil rights law for 30 years. 

In 2006, Ms. Cahill began representing a Baltimore County police detective against Baltimore County for discrimination under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

With further investigation it was determined that Baltimore County violated federal law and that Baltimore County’s actions were not isolated to this one employee.  Baltimore County violated federal law with regard to multiple County employees in order to cut the County’s labor costs.  Kathleen Cahill helped multiple dedicated county employees who were affected by Baltimore County’s illegal actions.  Ms. Cahill continues to represent county employees and monitor Baltimore County’s actions to ensure that employee’s rights are not violated.

Kathleen Cahill will be present at the Workers’ Compensation Seminar to inform other attorneys about what she uncovered during her case.  The practices and procedures of Baltimore County that Ms. Cahill exposed are not limited to municipality workers.  All attorneys who represent injured workers should be aware of the potential for employee abuse that the ADA was enacted to prevent.  Attendees will learn what to look out for while representing injured workers and how to protect an employee’s right to privacy. Ms. Cahill’s knowledge and experience is information all attorneys can use to the benefit of injured workers.
In addition to Kathleen Cahill, the day will include discussions from doctors, attorneys and commissioners. 

To register and view a full agenda, click here or call the MAJ office at (410) 872-0990. 

MAJ Report – MAJ Kicks Off 2012-2013 CLE & Education Season

With the 2012 – 2013 CLE education season right around the corner, the Maryland Association for Justice Education & Programs Committee, chaired by Philip C. Federico, is excited to share just a sampling of what to expect in the coming months. These legal education opportunities have been designed to benefit every MAJ member. Regardless of your firm size, number of years in practice or area of expertise; we have a seminar for you!

MAJ is well known for our annual seminars, and this year will not disappoint. For 2012 – 2013, we are offering seven large seminars with intriguing topics to keep our members up-to-date on the latest legal developments. These full and half-day seminars are a great resource to our members and non-members alike. Many prominent attorneys, judges and experts are already slated to speak at numerous upcoming events, with their valuable handouts distributed at each seminar. As an additional benefit, attendees have ample opportunity to network with each other, as well as our sponsors and exhibitors.

And did you know MAJ is accredited to provide CLE credits in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania?  If you are licensed to practice in those states, don’t miss out on the opportunities we offer to earn credits. Also, if you require CLEs in other states, we will even request CLE approval as needed.

We are kick starting this seminar season with our ever-popular Workers’ Compensation Seminar on September 27  at the Radisson Plaza in Baltimore City. The Commissioners have been contacted and are prepared to give valuable tips to attorneys. This full day seminar will also include lectures from physicians and other workers’ compensation attorneys. Check your mailboxes for the full agenda!

The Workers’ Compensation Seminar will be followed by the Social Media Seminar on October 8, 2012 at the Doubletree Hotel in Columbia. Learn about the ethics of internet marketing AND get your ethics CLE! This half day seminar will be a great opportunity for our solo practitioners to hear from Carolyn Elefant, author of Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be, about small firm management. This seminar will also examine use of electronic filing, something our paralegal members will want to take advantage of. 

In addition to our larger seminars, MAJ also holds several lunch-and-learn seminars annually. These seminars are typically held at the MAJ Office and present the opportunity for members to learn about a specific topic in a more intimate setting. Keep an eye out on MAJ’s Week Ahead for the next lunch-and-learn.

For the members who are looking to earn CLE credits while at the office, SeminarWeb is the perfect route to take. These seminars are announced every two months with speakers representing state trial lawyer associations nationwide. Each seminar is 75 minutes long and includes 10 minutes of question and answer time. Not only do MAJ members get to register for these seminars, but they have the opportunity to present topics using SeminarWeb, giving you the opportunity to receive national recognition for your key practice knowledge.

You can take advantage of MAJ’s Education and Program’s learning opportunities online or in-person. Find all the latest information about our events at www.marylandassociationforjustice.com. If you have any questions about upcoming events call the MAJ office at (410)872-0990 or email Allison Fields, MAJ Conference & Sponsorship Program Coordinator at allison@marylandassociationforjustice.com.

MAJ Announces 2012 Social Media Seminar

Social Media Seminar

October 8, 2012 • 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Doubletree Hotel, Columbia, MD       

Registration is open! The Maryland Association for Justice will be presenting a seminar dedicated strictly to social media and technology.  This half-day seminar will offer valuable information that you don’t want to miss.

Here is a preview of what the seminar has to offer:

• Judge Ronald A. Silkworth will be giving an in-depth explanation of  Maryland Electronic Filing, coming soon to a court near you. This is a great opportunity for both attorneys and paralegals to learn from the best about a system that is expected to go statewide, and to get answers to all of your questions.
• Hear from our experts on attorney websites and design by FindLaw, experts in online legal marketing.
• Get your Ethics CLE credits with Lydia Lawless from the AttorneyGrievance Commission as she discusses the ethics of internet marketing and social media.
• Trial Considerations: PowerPoint, Computer-Generated Evidence, and Admissibility
• Author and solo-lawyer Carolyn Elefant will discuss social media how-to: Facebook, Twitter and blogs for law firms.

REGISTRATION

Members Log-in to register
President’s Club       Eagle       Founder       Contributor     Regular Member     Law Student     Paralegal     New Admittee	$40 $50 $65 $140 $25 $50 $45
Non-Member	$195

For registration and additional program details, click here.

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT

Carolyn Elefant has been on the front lines representing and assisting solo lawyers since opening up her own practice in 1993.  She recently published the 2011-2012 edition of Solo by Choice: How to Be the LawyerYou Always Wanted to Be.  Her website, MyShingle.com, is devoted to solos and solo-wannabes, and provides a wealth of resources and information related to small firm management.  Ms. Elefant is based in Washington, D.C. and works on energy regulatory and enforcement law, appellate work, and marine renewable energy.  Follow her on Twitter at @carolynelefant, and contact her by e-mail at carolyn@carolynelefant.com.

Questions? Call MAJ as 410.872.099. or visit our website at www.marylandassociationforjustice.com.