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. The distinguished panel demonstrates how your personality and style can be molded to develop the skills that will aid you to become more effective in court.
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. The distinguished panel demonstrates how your personality and style can be molded to develop the skills that will aid you to become more effective in court.
Course Content
9:30 am - 9:38 amWelcome and Introduction
Hon. Paul A. Chernoff,
Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.), Boston
Leonard H. Kesten, Esq.,
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP, Boston
Hon. Paul D. Wilson,
Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.)
9:38 am - 11:27 am
Direct & Cross Examination Skills Workshop 2022: The Importance of Preparing the Witness
- Instructions and direct and cross of unprepared witness
- Instructions and direct and cross of a prepared witness
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP, Boston
Alexander Kesten, Esq.,
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP, Boston
Leonard H. Kesten, Esq.,
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP, Boston
Hon. Paul D. Wilson,
Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.)
11:27 am - 11:45 am
Break
11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Direct & Cross Examination Skills Workshop 2022: Civil Demonstration Including Instructing the Witness
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,
Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.)
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Lunch
2:00 pm - 3:11 pm
Direct & Cross Examination Skills Workshop 2022: Criminal Demonstration Including Instructing the Witness
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,
Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.)
3:11 pm - 3:55 pm
Direct & Cross Examination Skills Workshop 2022: View from the Bench
Hon. Mary K. Ames,
Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Hon. Paul A. Chernoff,
Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.), Boston
Hon. Catherine H. Ham,
Boston Municipal Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Hon. Paul D. Wilson,
Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.)
Please Note
This webcast is 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.
Speakers
CochairsHon. Paul A. Chernoff,
Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.), Boston
Leonard H. Kesten, Esq.,
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP, Boston
Faculty
Hon. Mary K. Ames,
Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Bruce Apotheker,
Newton Police Department, West Newton
Thomas R. Donohue, Esq.,
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP, Boston
Jacqueline M. Dutton, Esq.,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Worcester
David M. Gould, Esq.,
Ficksman & Conley LLP, Boston
Hon. Catherine H. Ham,
Boston Municipal Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Michael J. Harris, Esq.,
Crowe & Mulvey LLP, Boston
Alexander Kesten, Esq.,
Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten LLP, Boston
Marian T. Ryan, Esq.,
Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Woburn
Dr. Leslie Shaff, Esq.,
Attorney and Anesthesiologist, Newton
Hon. Paul D. Wilson,
Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.),
