2025 Trial Bootcamp: Master the Art of Trial Advocacy
Date: Nov 12, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick, and Online
Member Price: $211.00
Non-Member Price: $264.00
Section Price: $0.00
Areas of Law: Civil, Criminal Law
Earn up to 7.5 credits! (More Information)
Keynote
Moderator
- William D. Wallach, Esq.
- McCarter & English, Newark
Presenters
- Hon. Harry G. Carroll, J.A.D. (Ret.)
- Meyerson Fox & Conte, PA
- Hon. Colm F. Connolly, U.S.D.J.
- Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Delaware
- Hon. Christine P. O'Hearn, U.S.D.J.
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- Eric R. Breslin, Esq.
- Duane Morris, LLP, Newark
- Dennis J. Drasco, Esq.
- Lum Drasco & Positan LLC, Roseland
- Cathy Fleming, Esq.
- Fleming Ruvoldt, PLLC, Closter
- Leo J. Hurley, Esq.
- Connell Foley LLP, Roseland
- Edward T. Kole, Esq.
- Wilentz Goldman & Spitzer, Woodbridge
- Michael J. Maggiano, Esq.
- Maggiano DiGirolamo & Lizzi PC, Fort Lee
- Brian J. Neary, Esq.
- Connell Foley LLP, Roseland
- Paul G. Nittoly, Esq.
- McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, Morristown
- John D. North, Esq.
- Certified By the Supreme Court of New Jersey As a Civil Trial Attorney
Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP - Laurence B. Orloff, Esq.
- Orloff Lowenbach Stifelman & Siegel P.A., Morristown
- Sherilyn Pastor, Esq.
- McCarter & English, LLP, Newark
- David E. Ross, Esq.
- Ross Aronstam & Moritz, LLP, Wilmington
- Joseph B. Shumofsky, Esq.
- Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., Newark
- John L. Slimm, Esq.
- Marshall Dennehey, Mount Laurel
- Robert G. Stahl, Esq.
- Stahl Gasiorowski Criminal Defense Lawyers, PC, Westfield
Transform Your Trial Skills in One Intensive Day
Join leading trial attorneys from the American College of Trial Lawyers and distinguished judges for an immersive bootcamp designed to elevate your courtroom performance. Through dynamic panel discussions with seasoned practitioners, gain practical insights and proven strategies that you can implement immediately in your civil or criminal litigation practice.
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM
Essential Trial Skills Covered:
- Jury Selection - Master the art of identifying ideal jurors and utilizing challenges effectively
- Opening Statements - Craft compelling narratives that captivate from the first word
- Direct Examination - Build your case through powerful, persuasive witness testimony
- Cross-Examination - Learn techniques to effectively challenge opposing witnesses
- The View from the Bench - Gain invaluable perspectives directly from the judiciary
- Dealing with Experts - Navigate complex expert testimony with confidence
- Closing Arguments - Deliver memorable closings that resonate with jurors
Everything You Need to Know to Master the Art of Trial Advocacy
This year's bootcamp features an enhanced panel discussion format, bringing you real-world insights from multiple perspectives on each critical phase of trial. Learn from the collective wisdom of experienced trial lawyers who have been in the trenches and achieved successful outcomes for their clients.
Program Chair: William D. Wallach, Partner | McCarter & English, LLP
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Experienced attorneys looking for fresh perspectives
- Solo practitioners seeking to refine their skills
- In-house counsel managing litigation
- Associates who want to prepare like the pros
- Any attorney committed to excellence in trial advocacy
INVEST IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experienced trial advocates and jurists. Whether you're preparing for your first trial or your 15h, the 2025 Trial Bootcamp will provide you with practical tools and strategies to enhance your effectiveness in the courtroom. The bootcamp is a joint presentation of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Program Agenda:
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9:00 | Introduction of the Program - Willam D. Wallach, Esq.
-
9:05 | Selecting the Jury
- Moderator: John L. Slimm, Esq.
- Speakers: Hon. Christine P. O'Hearn, U.S.D.J. and Dennis J. Drasco, Esq. -
10:00 | Break
-
10:10 | The Judicial Perspective
- Moderator: William D. Wallach, Esq.
- Speakers: Hon. Colm F. Connolly, U.S.D.J.; Hon. Christine P. O'Hearn, U.S.D.J. and Hon. Harry G. Carroll, J.A.D. (Ret.) -
11:10 | Opening Statements
- Moderator: Brian J. Neary, Esq.
- Speakers: Cathy Fleming, Esq. and Paul G. Nittoly, Esq. -
12:10 | Lunch
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1:00 | Direct Examination
- Speakers: Eric R. Breslin, Esq.; Laurence B. Orloff, Esq. and Leo J. Hurley, Esq. -
1:50 | Cross-Examination
- Moderator: Robert G. Stahl, Esq.
- Speakers: Joseph B. Shumofsky, Esq. and Edward T. Kole, Esq. -
2:40 | Break
-
2:50 | Expert Witnesses
- Moderator: Sherilyn Pastor, Esq.
- Speakers: David E. Ross, Esq. and William D. Wallach, Esq. -
3:50 | Closings - Michael J. Maggiano, Esq. and John D. North, Esq.
-
4:00 | Adjourn
Important Information About Our Events, Meetings, and More:
To secure your spot and receive important updates about our events, meetings, and other gatherings, such as schedule changes, remember to register in advance.
Digital Materials & Environmental Commitment: As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, unless otherwise noted, all seminar materials are provided as digital downloads. You can access these materials through:
- The “My Links” section at the top of our website for in-person or online events
- Or, for online programs, the event access link included in your joining instructions
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration and are not transferring to another program or date, please submit a written request to us at least three business days before the event, meeting, or gathering. You will receive a refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee. No refunds or registration changes will be issued within three business days of the event, meeting, or gathering.
Professional Conduct:
All attendees and participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally and treat others with respect at NJSBA events, meetings, and gatherings. This includes courteous communication, respecting perspectives, and creating a welcoming environment for all. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in removal from the event.
Stay Informed:
Registered participants will be notified of any schedule changes. For updates regarding inclement weather, please check your email or visit NJSBA.com.
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By participating in our events, meetings, or other gatherings, you agree to be photographed and/or recorded. Additionally, all media content captured during these gatherings will become the property of NJSBA. This content, including your image and name, may be used in our future promotional materials without additional consent or compensation.
Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/