Construction Forum Trial Academy

June 27 - 30, 2012

The ABA Forum on the Construction Industry is pleased to announce that the inaugural session of the Forum Trial Academy will be held in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. This three-day intensive trial skills training program will use a construction case to teach the skills that are needed to successfully try a construction dispute. The faculty is made up of experienced construction litigators who have tried construction cases in courts and before arbitration panels in jurisdictions throughout the country. Students will also work with experienced construction experts so they can learn how to prepare expert witnesses, as well as conduct effective direct and cross examinations of technical witnesses.

This program is designed for less experienced construction lawyers and is limited to thirty-six participants. Each participant will be afforded multiple, daily opportunities for “on their feet” trial experience in a construction case, while receiving immediate feedback from course instructors.

The course will consummate with participants, in teams of two, conducting a mock trial of a construction case.

We hope you can join us for this unique opportunity to learn the trial skills that are unique to construction law.

Schedule

Wednesday, June 27
6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Opening Remarks & Welcome Session
U.S. District Courthouse

Thursday, June 28
8:00 A.M. – 7:15 P.M.
Trial Academy
• Direct and Cross Examination of Fact Witnesses
• Developing a Case Theme Classes will include lectures, demonstrations, and participatory exercises.
Continental Breakfast & Lunch Provided

Friday, June 29
8:00 A.M. – 7:50 P.M.
Trial Academy
• Direct and Cross Examination of Expert Witnesses
• Opening Statements
• Closing Arguments
Classes will include lectures, demonstrations, and participatory exercises.
Continental Breakfast & Lunch Provided

Saturday, June 30
8:00 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M.
Trial Academy
• Mock Trial
• Closing Remarks
Continental Breakfast & Lunch Provided

Speakers 

Larry D. Harris
Fox Rothschild LLP

Albert Bates
Duane Morris

Joseph Bisceglia
Jenner & Block

William Frank Carroll
Cox Smith Matthews

Robert Ferencik
Ferencik, Libanoff Brandt Bustamante and Williams PA

Harold Kurland
Ward Greenberg

Karen Layng
Vedder Price

Judd Lifschitz
Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram

Michael McKenna
Lewis McKenna

Thomas Powell
Law Offices of Thomas J. Powell

Julie Walker
Wheeler, Trigg & O’Donnell

Barbara Werther
Ober Kaler

Register

Please click here for more information and to register.