Product Description

Worried that your star witness will manifest the "deer in the headlights" look when asked a tough question? How about the "fish out of water" moving lips as she struggles for a credible answer? Nervous that your killer cross-examination question will die a quick death? Fear no longer, we have assembled a panel consisting of pit bull killers, subtle assassins, methodical destroyers, and professional, polite, yet still effective examiners to teach you the tricks of the trade.

Who are the most important people at a trial? No matter that lawyers think that they "win or lose," it is the testimony of the witnesses that ultimately determines the outcome. The examination of the witnesses is a key component of a winning strategy. The presentation of testimony is not to be taken lightly. It should be the product of careful planning, thorough preparation, and stylish execution. Anyone can improve his or her skills through practice and hard work. Our distinguished panel demonstrates how your personality and style can be molded to develop the skills to help you become more effective in court.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 am - 9:40 am

  Welcome and Introduction

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Hon. Paul A. Chernoff,
  Leonard H. Kesten, Esq., Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP , Boston
  Hon. Paul D. Wilson, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  
• 9:40 am - 11:27 am

  Direct & Cross-Examination Skills Workshop 2021: The Importance of Preparing the Witness

  on demand video Add to Cart

  • Instructions and direct and cross of unprepared witness
  • Instructions and direct and cross of a prepared witness

  Thomas R. Donohue, Esq., Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP , Boston
  Leonard H. Kesten, Esq., Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP , Boston
  Hon. Paul D. Wilson, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  Michael Stefanilo, Jr., Esq., Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP , Boston
  
• 11:30 am - 11:45 am

  Break
• 11:45 am - 1:00 pm

  Direct & Cross-Examination Skills Workshop 2021: Instructing the Witness for Civil Matters

  on demand video Add to Cart

  David M. Gould, Esq., Ficksman & Conley LLP , Boston
  Michael J. Harris, Esq., Crowe & Mulvey LLP , Boston
  Dr. Leslie Shaff, Esq., Attorney and Anesthesiologist , Newton
  Hon. Paul D. Wilson, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  
• 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

  Lunch
• 2:00 pm - 3:11 pm

  Direct & Cross-Examination Skills Workshop 2021: Instructing the Witness for Criminal Matters

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Bruce Apotheker, Newton Police Department , West Newton
  Jacqueline M. Dutton, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services , Worcester
  Marian T. Ryan, Esq., Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  Hon. Paul D. Wilson, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  
• 3:11 pm - 3:57 pm

  Direct & Cross-Examination Skills Workshop 2021: View from the Bench

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Hon. Mary K. Ames, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Hon. Heidi E. Brieger, Trial Court/Administrative Office , Boston
  Hon. Paul A. Chernoff,
  Hon. Paul D. Wilson, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Woburn
  

Special Program Materials:

• Massachusetts Courtroom Advocacy

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs

Faculty