CLE Seminar: The Run up to Trial & Beyond
Friday, May 1, 2026
Success at trial rarely begins in the courtroom. It is built months earlier through thoughtful strategy, disciplined preparation, and smart use of the tools available during the pretrial phase. This seminar will explore how effective pretrial preparation can shape the narrative of your case, strengthen your evidentiary foundation, and position you for success before a jury ever hears opening statements.
A star-studded CTLA faculty of experienced trial lawyers will discuss the critical steps in the run-up to trial, including developing persuasive case themes, maximizing discovery, preparing witnesses, using depositions strategically, and crafting motions that frame the issues in your favor. The program will include practical considerations such as organizing exhibits, preparing demonstrative evidence, anticipating evidentiary challenges, and creating a clear trial roadmap.
Attendees will gain practical insights and real-world strategies to help turn pretrial prep into powerful advantage at trial - and to position your cases for success through verdict and beyond.
Speakers
| Cross Examination of the Defendant | |
|---|---|
| Kathleen L. Nastri, Esq. (chair) | Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder, PC |
| James W. Bergenn, Esq. | Shipman & Goodwin LLP |
| Direct Examination of an Expert | |
| Jeremy H. D'Amico, Esq. | D'Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC |
| Michael A. D'Amico, Esq. | D'Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC |
| Pretrial Motions: To File or Not to File | |
| Karolina A. Dowd, Esq. | Walsh Woodard LLC |
| Cross Examination of an Expert | |
| Kelly A. Fitzpatrick, Esq. | Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder, PC |
| Depositions of Plaintiffs: Dealing with the Thorny Issues | |
| James M. Harrington, Esq. | Polito & Harrington LLC |
| Pretrial Motions: To File or Not to File | |
| James J. Healy, Esq. | Cowdery, Murphy & Healy, LLC |
| Opening Statements: Telling the Story of the Case | |
| Christopher Houlihan, Esq. | RisCassi & Davis, PC |
| John J. Houlihan, Jr., Esq. | RisCassi & Davis, PC |
| Closing Arguments | |
| Patrick J. Kennedy, Esq. | Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. |
| Jury Selection: Best Practices for Getting a Fair Jury | |
| Douglas P. Mahoney, Esq. | Robinson Mahoney PLLC |
| Cross Examination of an Expert | |
| Christopher Mattei, Esq. | Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder, PC |
| Direct Examination of a Plaintiff | |
| Kenneth P. Namnoum, Jr., Esq. | L/O Kenneth P. Namnoum Jr. |
| Jury Selection: Best Practices for Getting a Fair Jury | |
| Rosemarie Paine, Esq. | Jacobs & Dow, LLC |
| Direct Examination of a Plaintiff | |
| Erica Pilicy-Ryan, Esq. | Pilicy Injury Law |
| Depositions of Plaintiffs: Dealing with the Thorny Issues | |
| Humbert J. Polito, Jr., Esq. | Polito & Harrington LLC |
| Closing Arguments | |
| Stephanie Z. Roberge, Esq. | Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. |
| Nailing the Defense with Discovery at Trial | |
| Sarah R. Russell, Esq. | Silver Golub & Teitell LLP |
| Depositions: Getting Good Soundbites and Using them at Trial | |
| Anastasios T. Savvaides, Esq. | Wocl Leydon, LLC |
CLE Credits
This Continuing Legal Education program is appropriate for both newly-admitted and experienced attorneys, and has been approved for the following credits in accordance with the rule requirements of these states:
| Skills | |
|---|---|
| New York | 6.50 cr |
| Connecticut | 5.50 cr |
Sponsorships
EMERALD PARTNER FOR JUSTICE & EXCLUSIVE LANYARD SPONSOR
DIAMOND PARTNER FOR JUSTICE & LUNCHEON SPONSOR
SILVER PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE & BREAKFAST SPONSORS
SILVER PARTNER FOR JUSTICE & COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSOR
BRONZE PARTNER & LUNCHEON SPONSOR
GREEN SPONSOR
Venue
Race Brook Country Club, 246 Derby Avenue, Orange CT 06477
Additional Information
This Continuing Legal Education program is appropriate for both newly-admitted and experienced attorneys, and has been approved for the following credits in accordance with the rule requirements of these states:
CT: 5.5 Skills Credit Hours
NY: 6.5 Skills Credit Hours
Hard copies of the materials will not be provided at the program. Registrants will be able to access the materials via web link prior to the seminar, allowing you to print the materials in advance of the program. We encourage attendees to go green by either downloading the materials to your laptop.
Refunds will not be granted for cancellations received after the link to the materials has been sent.
Materials
| Product | Online Media | Price | Member Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDF Materials | N/A | $250.00 | $150.00 |
| Video Recording | N/A | $250.00 | $150.00 |
Partners for Justice
