Start Strong End Strong: Powerful Openings/Closings

Date: Feb 6, 2024 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Location: New Jersey Law Center, New Brunswick and Online

Member Price: $159

Non-Member Price: $199

Section Price: $149

Event Code: I140624

Areas of Law: Civil Trial Bar

Earn up to 3.6 credits! (More Information)

Faculty

Keynote

Moderator

Norberto A. Garcia, Esq.
Certified By the Supreme Court of New Jersey As a Civil Trial Attorney
Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari

Presenters

Hon. Peter F. Bariso, Jr., A.J.S.C.(Ret.)
Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo, PC
Rita Barone, Esq.
Flanagan, Barone & O'Brien, Bernardsville
Thomas J. Manzo, Esq.
Treasurer, New Jersey State Bar Foundation
Szaferman Lakind Blumstein & Blader PC, Lawrenceville
William H. Mergner, Jr., Esq.
President, New Jersey State Bar Association
Leary Bride Mergner & Bongiovanni P.A., Cedar Knolls
Francisco J. Rodriguez, Esq.
Certified By the Supreme Court of New Jersey As a Civil Trial Attorney
Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins, PC

Your opening statement should open the jurors’ minds to your client’s perspective. Statistics show that jurors have a tendency to make their decision after they hear opening statements. Your closing argument is your final opportunity to bring your case home. It can make the difference between winning and losing.

Whether you represent the plaintiff or defendant, your opening statement and your final argument are two of the most important opportunities you have to convince the judge and jury to find in your favor.

If you want to add power to your openings and closings, this program is for you! Through illustrative presentations you will be able to observe a “blue ribbon” panel featuring some of the state’s leading trial attorneys as they demonstrate the strategies and techniques that have worked for them. Don’t miss this opportunity to pick up practice tips that can give you the competitive edge in all types of civil litigation.

Program Agenda:

  • 9 | Welcome
  • 9:05 | Insight into the trial and the importance of trial preparation—establishing the theme for your case
  • 9:25 The Opening
    • 9:25 | Background/remarks- where to stand, differences between opening at a jury and non-jury trial, things you want to be sure to say, is there anything you want to hold back?, using technology, etc.
    • 9:45 | Demonstration
    • 10:15 | Panel critique and strategies
  • 10:30 | Break
  • 10:40 | The Closing
    • 10:40 | Background/remarks- where to stand, differences between closing at a jury and non-jury trial, things you want to be sure to say, is there anything you want to hold back?           
    • 11 | Demonstration
    • 11:30 | Panel critique and strategies
  • 11:45 | Use of technology at the opening or closing phase of the trial- a panel discussion
  • 12:10 | Q&A
  • 12:15 | Adjourn

CLE Credits
NJ CLE:NJ CLE information: This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 3.6 hours of total CLE credit (Full Credits Available: NJ Civil Trial Attorney Credit: 3.6, NJ General: 3.6).
NY CLE (t&nt):NY Professional Practice Non-Transitional: 3.5
PA CLE:PA Substantive Credit: 3.0
New: No PACLE fee is required for this program. To earn PA CLE credits, a valid PA Bar ID number must be entered into the CLE form provided after attending the program.

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Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/

 

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