WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024

2:00 P.M. – 2:15 P.M. – Welcome and Introductions

2:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. – When and How Do Cases Benefit From Expert Witness Testimony?

The inclusion of expert testimony can be a game-changer, influencing the outcome of a case significantly; however, strategic considerations behind the timing and selection of expert witnesses are critical for success. This interactive session will explore the pivotal moments in a case where the introduction of expert testimony can be impactful and how to identify the opportune moments to leverage. We will discuss how factors such as the complexity of the subject matter, the need for specialized knowledge, tactics of opposing counsel and the impact on the jury play a critical role in this decision. We will discuss the value of experts relative to the expense involved and strategies for when and how to use an expert.

Facilitators

• Krista Cammack, Wicker Smith (Orlando, FL)
• Jessica L. Dark, Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, L.L.P. (Oklahoma City, OK)

3:45 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. – What Can Outside Counsel Learn from the Insider Perspective?

Expertise, credibility, and communication skills are critical to ensure your chosen expert aligns seamlessly with your legal strategy, but there’s more. Representatives from USLAW NETWORK corporate partners will share insight and best practices for outside counsel to ensure success with involving an expert, such as what stage to engage an expert, how to evaluate expertise and credibility, how jurors will perceive experts, and the latest litigation tactics to downplay expert witnesses.

Facilitators

• Adam R. Forest, Sr. Mechanical Engineer, S-E-A, Limited
• Meghan A. Litecky, Dysart Taylor (Kansas City, MO)
• Kevin McCarthy, Larson King LLP (St. Paul, MN)
• Marion Stampley, Jr., JD, Senior Jury Consultant, IMS Legal Strategies
• Eddy Silverman, Williams Kastner (Seattle, WA)

7:00 P.M. – Dinner for Litigation Academy Participants and Guests at Renata’s Hearth Patio

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024

8:00 A.M. – 9:00 A.M. – Breakfast for Litigation Academy Participants and Guests

9:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. – How To Strategically Prepare for Direct and Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses

This session will dive into case studies where the strategic use of expert witnesses significantly influenced legal outcomes. We will witness a mock demonstration of a case involving a young adult being struck by a delivery van in a crosswalk, including cross and direct examination and discussion of how the case could have resulted with or without expert testimony.

Facilitators

• Julie A. Brennan, Pion, Nerone, Girman & Smith, P.C. (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Jennifer Cuculich, JD, Jury Consultant, IMS Legal Strategies
• Adam R. Forest, Sr. Mechanical Engineer, S-E-A, Limited
• Michael J. Judy, Dysart Taylor (Kansas City, MO)
• Kyle Weaver, Carr Allison (Tallahassee, FL)

10:45 A.M. – 11:45 A.M. – How To Strategically Prepare for Direct and Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses

We will break into small group tables in order to address specific potential challenges and pitfalls associated with expert witness involvement and explore ways to overcome common obstacles and ensure effectiveness of expert testimony in supporting your case. Seasoned Future USLAW Leaders and expert representatives will be available at each table for Q&A.

Facilitators

• Jennifer Cuculich, JD, Jury Consultant, IMS Legal Strategies
• Meghan M. Goodwin, Thorndal, Armstrong, Delk, Balkenbush & Eisinger (Las Vegas, NV)
• Jeffrey C. Hendrickson, Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, L.L.P. (Oklahoma City, OK)
• Ryan C. Holt, Sweeny Wingate & Barrow, P.A. (Columbia, SC)
• Molly E. Mitchell, Duke Evett, PLLC (Boise, ID)
• Marion Stampley, Jr., JD, Senior Jury Consultant, IMS Legal Strategies

12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. – Lunch Activity for Litigation Academy Participants