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List of Forms by Chapter - Chapter 1 — The Trial Advocate: Purpose, Talent, and Philosophy
- Chapter Summary
- I. [1.1] What Is a Trial Lawyer?
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II. [1.2] The Trial Lawyer’s Tools, Skills, and Qualities - [1.3] Case Analysis and Plan
- [1.4] Preparation
- [1.5] Organization — The Trial Notebook
- [1.6] Jury Consultants
- [1.7] Ethics
- Skills and Qualities of the Trial Lawyer
- [1.8] Sincerity
- [1.9] Confidence
- [1.10] Experience and Judgment
- [1.11] Public Speaking
- [1.12] Persuasiveness
- [1.13] The Rule of Threes
- [1.14] The Rule of Recency and Primacy
- [1.15] The 20-Minute Rule
- Chapter 2 — The Jury: The “Right” to It and the Selection of It
- Chapter 3 — Opening Statement
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. [3.3] Stating a Cause of Action
- III. [3.4] Admissions and Directed Verdicts
- IV. [3.5] Objections and Preserving Error
- V. [3.6] Length and Detail in Opening Statement
- VI. Legal and Practical Aspects
- VII. [3.12] Use of Visual Aids
- VIII. [3.13] Multiple Defendants and Third-Party Actions
- IX. Motions in Limine Prior to Opening Statement
- X. [3.16] Opening in Nonjury Case
- XI. Plaintiff’s Jury Opening Statement
- [3.17] Introductory Comments
- Outline with Suggestions and Examples
- Introduction of Opening Statement
- [3.18] Comments
- [3.19] Example
- Introducing the Parties
- [3.20] Comments
- [3.21] Example
- Introducing the Scene
- [3.22] Comments on a Vehicular Case
- [3.23] Comments on a Construction Case
- Plaintiff’s Theory in Brief
- [3.24] Comments
- [3.25] Example
- [3.26] The Instrumentalities Involved
- [3.27] Background to the Occurrence
- [3.28] The Occurrence
- The Theory with an Introduction to the Law
- [3.29] Comment on Including Caselaw Authority
- [3.30] Example in a Vehicular Case
- [3.31] Comment on Cases Based on Statute
- [3.32] Comment on Theory as Distinguished from Argument
- [3.33] Injuries
- Damages
- [3.34] Comments
- [3.35] Example
- [3.36] Revealing the Ad Damnum
- [3.37] Conclusion of the Opening Statement
- [3.38] Comments on Knowing Content and Approach of Plaintiff’s Opening Statement
- [3.39] Comments on Defendant’s Opening Statement
- [3.40] Waiving the Opening Statement
- [3.41] Handling Affirmative Defenses, Counterclaims, and Third-Party Actions
- Outline with Suggestions and Examples
- [3.42] Introduction of Opening Statement
- [3.43] Introducing the Defendant
- [3.44] Putting the Case at Issue
- The Defendant’s Version of the Occurrence
- [3.45] Comments
- [3.46] Example
- [3.47] The Theory of the Defendant Under the Law
- [3.48] Handling Damages
- [3.49] Conclusion of Opening Statement
- XIII. [3.50] Example Opening Statements
- XIV. [3.53] The Danger of Social Media Use After Opening Statement
- Chapter 4 — Presenting Testimony
- Chapter Summary
- I. [4.1] Introduction
- II. Preparation
- Preparation for Direct Examination
- [4.2] Preparing Yourself
- [4.3] Preparing Your Witnesses
- [4.4] Dress, Appearance, and Demeanor
- [4.5] Eliciting the Witness’s Story
- [4.6] Effective Use of Language and Tone
- [4.7] The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But . . .
- [4.8] Dress Rehearsal
- [4.9] Preparation for Cross-Examination
- [4.10] Coaching the Witness
- III. Direct Examination
- [4.11] Placement in the Courtroom
- [4.12] Method of Presenting Testimony
- Form and Content of Questions
- [4.13] Attention to Language
- [4.14] Leading Questions
- [4.15] Other Objectionable Questions
- [4.16] Offering the Inadmissible
- [4.17] Refreshing Recollection
- [4.18] Right to a Responsive Answer
- [4.19] Conduct of Counsel
- IV. Cross-Examination
- V. Impeachment
- VI. Redirect Examination and Recross-Examination
- VII. [4.31] Examination of Opinion Witnesses
- VIII. [4.32] Examination of Adverse Parties or Witnesses
- IX. [4.33] Offers of Proof
- X. [4.34] Conclusion
- Chapter 5 — Preserving the Record During Trial
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Making the Record
- [5.3] Verifying That All Pretrial Motions Have Been Decided and the Case Is at Issue
- Importance of a Court Reporter
- [5.4] Using a Court Reporter
- [5.5] Knowing the Court Reporter
- [5.6] Helping the Court Reporter
- Avoiding Mistakes or Ambiguity in the Testimony
- [5.7] Names, Addresses, Numbers, Dates, and Pronouns
- [5.8] Gestures, Distances, and References to Exhibits by Witnesses
- [5.9] Gestures, Asides, and Disruptions by Counsel or the Court
- [5.10] Evidence Must Be Introduced in Order To Be Part of the Trial Record
- Handling Exhibits
- [5.11] Marking Exhibits
- [5.12] Referring to Exhibits After They Have Been Marked
- [5.13] Offering Exhibits into Evidence
- [5.14] Making Certain the Record and Exhibits Reflect Admission
- [5.15] Making Certain the Record Reflects Exclusions
- [5.16] Obtaining a Ruling on the Admission of Exhibits
- [5.17] Withdrawing Exhibits
- [5.18] Demonstrations and Experiments by Witnesses or Counsel
- [5.19] Making the Record on Demonstrative Evidence
- [5.20] Limited Offer — Evidence Admissible Only for Certain Purposes
- III. Preserving the Record
- Objections
- [5.21] Purpose
- [5.22] Effect of Failure To Object
- [5.23] Exceptions to Waiving Objections by Failing To Timely Object
- [5.24] Plain Error Doctrine
- [5.25] Parties with Special Needs
- [5.26] Useless Act Objections Not Required
- [5.27] Judicial Misconduct
- [5.28] Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases
- [5.29] Sufficiency of Objection — General Objections, Specific Objections, and Incorrect Specific Objections
- [5.30] Timeliness of Objections and Moving To Strike Testimony
- [5.31] Motions To Strike Testimony and Instructing the Jury To Disregard
- [5.32] Evidence Admissible for Certain Purposes — Limiting Instructions
- [5.33] Motions for Mistrial
- Rulings on Objections
- [5.34] Necessity for Rulings on Objections
- [5.35] Reasons for Rulings on Objections
- [5.36] Reserved or Conditional Rulings on Objections and Moving To Strike Previously “Admitted” Evidence
- Effects of Rulings on Objections
- [5.37] Overruled Objections
- Sustained Objections
- [5.38] Offer of Proof Required
- [5.39] When an Offer of Proof Should Be Made
- [5.40] Presence of Jury for an Offer of Proof
- [5.41] Proper Form of the Offer of Proof
- [5.42] Sufficiency of the Offer of Proof
- [5.43] Objections to the Offer of Proof
- [5.44] Necessity of a Posttrial Motion
- Tactical Considerations
- [5.45] When To Object or Move for a Mistrial
- [5.46] Manner of Objecting
- [5.47] Objections During Opening Statements and Closing Arguments
- Chapter 6 — Presenting the Plaintiff’s Case
- Chapter Summary
- I. [6.1] Introduction
- II. [6.7] Discovery
- [6.8] Public Documents
- [6.9] Police Reports and Other Records
- [6.10] Ambulance Reports
- [6.11] Coroner’s Records
- [6.12] Building Permits
- [6.13] Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards
- [6.14] Liquor License Records
- [6.15] Tract Books
- [6.16] Illinois Department of Transportation Records
- [6.17] License and Title Registrations
- [6.18] Interrogatories
- [6.19] Production Requests
- [6.20] Notice To Produce at Trial
- III. [6.21] Jury Selection
- IV. Opening Statement
- V. [6.35] Visual Evidence
- VI. Witnesses
- VII. [6.44] Expert Witnesses
- [6.45] Preparation for Deposition of the Opponent’s Expert Witnesses — Interrogatories
- [6.46] Examination of the Expert in Deposition and Trial Regarding Qualifications
- [6.47] Examination of the Expert in Deposition and Trial Regarding Methodology and Application of Methodology
- [6.48] Examination of the Expert in Deposition and Trial Regarding the Basis of the Expert’s Opinion
- [6.49] Expert’s Opinions and Reasons
- [6.50] Language of the Expert
- [6.51] Common Errors in Interrogation
- [6.52] Expert’s Exhibits
- VIII. [6.53] Voluntary Dismissal of Certain Defendants
- IX. [6.54] Rebuttal
- X. Mandatory Arbitration Issues
- XI. [6.59] Conclusion
- Chapter 7 — Motions During and at the Close of the Plaintiff’s Case-in-Chief
- Chapter Summary
- I. [7.1] Introduction: Nature and Purpose of Motions During and at the Close of the Plaintiff’s Case
- II. Motion Practice in General — When, Where, and How To Present Motions
- III. [7.5] Motions in Limine
- IV. Motions at the Outset of Trial
- V. Motions Regarding Evidence
- VI. [7.15] How To Combat Motions Limiting Evidence: Offers of Proof
- VII. [7.16] Motions for Mistrial
- [7.17] Timing for Motions for Mistrial
- [7.18] Motions for Mistrial Because of Violations of in Limine Orders
- [7.19] Motions for Mistrial Because of Conduct of Counsel
- [7.20] Motions for Mistrial Because of Conduct of a Party or Witness
- [7.21] Mistrials Involving Juror Issues
- [7.22] The Effect of Mistrial
- VIII. [7.23] Amendments to Pleadings
- IX. [7.24] Motions for Directed Finding and Directed Verdict
- X. [7.25] Conclusion
- Chapter 8 — Presenting the Defendant’s Case
- Chapter Summary
- I. [8.1] Scope of Chapter
- II. [8.2] The Importance of Form
- III. [8.3] Getting Organized Flexibly: The Trial Notebook and Other Pretrial Considerations
- IV. [8.4] Assisting the Jury To Understand
- V. [8.5] Your Relationship with the Judge
- VI. [8.6] The Role of Cross-Examination
- VII. [8.7] Order of Proof
- VIII. [8.8] Direct Examination
- IX. [8.9] The Hostile Witness and the Adverse Witness
- X. [8.10] The Expert Witness
- XI. [8.11] Conclusion
- Chapter 9 — Motions During and at the Close of the Defendant’s Case-in-Chief
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. [9.6] Motions in Limine
- III. [9.7] Motions for Issuance of a Bench Warrant
- IV. [9.8] Motions To Separate or Exclude Witnesses
- V. [9.9] Motions To Change Order of Proof
- VI. [9.10] Motions To Limit Testimony
- VII. [9.11] Motions To Exclude and Strike Evidence
- VIII. [9.17] Enforcement of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 237(b) and Motions for Inspection
- IX. [9.18] Motions for Mistrial
- X. [9.24] Motions To Suppress
- XI. [9.25] Motions for Recess or Temporary Adjournment
- XII. [9.26] Extraordinary Motions
- XIII. [9.27] Motions To Reopen Case
- XIV. [9.28] Motions During Rebuttal and Surrebuttal
- XV. [9.29] Motions To Amend Pleadings
- XVI. [9.30] Motions at the Close of the Defendant’s Case-in-Chief
- Chapter 10 — Motions at the Close of the Evidence
- Chapter Summary
- I. [10.1] Introduction
- II. Motion for a Continuance
- III. [10.4] Plaintiff’s Motion To Voluntarily Dismiss
- IV. [10.5] Motions To Strike Evidence
- V. [10.8] Motion To Amend Pleadings
- VI. [10.9] Motion for Judgment in Nonjury Cases
- VII. [10.10] Motion for Directed Verdict in Jury Cases
- VIII. [10.16] Conclusion
- IX. [10.17] Appendix — Forms
- [10.18] Motion for Continuance
- [10.19] Motion for Directed Verdict by Plaintiff
- [10.20] Order for Plaintiff’s Directed Verdict
- [10.21] Verdict in Case in Which Plaintiff Has Received a Directed Verdict
- [10.22] Motion for Directed Verdict by Defendant (Long Form)
- [10.23] Motion for Directed Verdict by Defendant (Short Form)
- [10.24] Order for Defendant’s Directed Verdict
- Chapter 11 — Jury Instructions, Special Interrogatories, and Verdicts
- Chapter Summary
- I. [11.1] Introduction
- II. Jury Instructions
- [11.2] Applicable Rules
- [11.3] Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions Generally
- Drafting Jury Instructions
- [11.4] Who Drafts the Instructions?
- [11.5] When Should the Instructions Be Submitted?
- [11.6] What Should the Instructions Include?
- How Should the Instructions Be Drafted?
- Use of the I.P.I.
- [11.7] The I.P.I. must be used if accurate and applicable
- [11.8] The I.P.I. are subject to challenge
- [11.9] Non-Pattern Instructions
- Other General Drafting Considerations
- [11.10] Do not define common terms
- [11.11] Avoid repetition and inconsistency
- [11.12] Do not lift language from court opinions
- [11.13] Focus on theory of the case
- [11.14] Form and Appearance
- [11.15] Presentment to the Court
- [11.16] Timing of Instruction Conference
- Objections
- [11.17] Must Be Specific and Tender Alternative
- [11.18] Typical Objections
- [11.19] Party Cannot Claim Error if Court Gives an Instruction the Party Tendered
- [11.20] The Court’s Decision
- [11.21] When Is the Jury Instructed?
- Responding To Jury Questions About Instructions
- [11.22] Whether To Answer
- [11.23] Submit Proposed Response
- Practice Tips
- [11.24] Use Instructions To Prepare Closing Argument
- [11.25] Consider Enlarging Instructions for Closing Argument
- [11.26] Winning the Battle of the Instructions
- [11.27] Do Not Seek Instructions That Misstate the Law
- [11.28] Posttrial Motions
- [11.29] Bring a Court Reporter to the Instruction Conference
- [11.30] Review Materials Court Provides to Jury
- [11.31] Object to Jury’s Failure To Follow Jury Instructions Before the Jury is Excused
- III. Special Interrogatories and General Verdicts
- General Verdict
- [11.32] General Verdict Overview
- [11.33] Construction of General Verdict
- [11.34] Special Interrogatories
- [11.35] Special Interrogatories Serve as a Check on the Jury’s Verdict
- [11.36] When To Seek Special Interrogatories
- [11.37] Proper Form of Special Interrogatories
- [11.38] Time To Tender Special Interrogatories
- [11.39] No Discretion To Refuse Proper Interrogatories
- Objections to Special Interrogatories
- [11.40] Must Be Specific and Before Submission to Jury
- Grounds for Objections
- [11.41] Objections to Form (Compound, Misleading, Etc.)
- [11.42] Not Inconsistent with Any Possible Verdict
- [11.43] Evidentiary Questions
- [11.44] Unsupported by the Evidence/Not in Issue
- [11.45] Question of Law
- [11.46] Use Caution When Arguing to the Jury That Special Interrogatory Answers Must Be Consistent with the General Verdict
- [11.47] What Happens if Jury Fails To Answer a Special Interrogatory
- [11.48] Special Interrogatory Inconsistent with the General Verdict
- [11.49] Internally Inconsistent Verdict
- Preserving Right To Appeal
- [11.50] Special Interrogatories Consistent with General Verdict
- [11.51] Special Interrogatories Inconsistent with General Verdict
- [11.52] Other Problems with the Verdict
- IV. [11.53] I.P.I. Verdict Form Questions
- V. Special Verdicts
- VI. [11.56] Itemized Verdicts
- Chapter 12 — Closing Argument
- Chapter Summary
- I. [12.1] Introduction
- II. The Law of Closing Arguments — Fundamental Principles
- [12.2] Right to Closing Argument and Waiver of That Right
- [12.3] The Order of Closing Arguments
- [12.4] Time To Prepare
- [12.5] Time Limits on Closing Argument
- [12.6] Presence of Judge and Court Reporter
- [12.7] Scope of Closing Argument
- [12.8] Scope of Rebuttal Argument
- [12.9] Invited Response
- [12.10] Using Evidentiary Exhibits Admitted During Trial
- [12.11] Using Visual Aids Other than Exhibits Admitted into Evidence
- [12.12] Need for Objection to Improper Argument/Preserving Error
- III. The Law of Closing Arguments — Legal Rules Governing Specific Situations
- [12.13] Comments Concerning Opposing Counsel
- [12.14] Comments Concerning Witnesses
- [12.15] Comments Concerning Corporate Status of Party
- [12.16] Comments Concerning Excluded Evidence
- [12.17] Adverse Inference for Failure To Produce Witnesses and Documents
- [12.18] Commenting on Jury Instructions
- [12.19] Special Interrogatories
- [12.20] Passion and Prejudice
- [12.21] Reading from a Pleading
- [12.22] Reading from Testimony or Replaying It on Video
- [12.23] The “Golden Rule” Argument
- [12.24] References to Religion
- [12.25] Court Rulings and Controlling Law
- [12.26] References to Particular Jurors
- [12.27] Financial Positions of the Parties
- [12.28] Insurance Coverage
- IV. The Argument Itself — Techniques, Strategies, and Practical Advice
- [12.29] Preparation of Argument
- [12.30] Counsel’s Credibility
- [12.31] Methods of Emphasis
- [12.32] Argument Phase: The Introduction
- [12.33] Relating Argument to Comments by the Court or to Facts Learned During Voir Dire
- [12.34] Discussion of Neutral Witnesses
- [12.35] Argument Phase: Jury Instructions
- [12.36] Burdens of Proof
- [12.37] Argument Phase: Discussion of Damages
- [12.38] Using Humor, Sarcasm, or Ridicule
- [12.39] Anticipating Rebuttal
- [12.40] Should Witnesses Be Accused of Lying?
- Handling Weaknesses in the Case
- [12.41] The Client with No Jury Appeal
- [12.42] Conflict Among Counsel’s Own Witnesses
- [12.43] Troublesome Witnesses
- V. [12.44] Practice Tips
- Chapter 13 — Return of the Verdict and Entry of Judgment
- Chapter Summary
- I. [13.1] Scope of Chapter
- II. [13.2] Problems Arising During Jury Deliberations
- III. Return of the Verdict
- IV. [13.17] Polling the Jury
- V. [13.21] Amendment or Correction of the Verdict
- VI. [13.25] Entry of Judgment on the Verdict
- VII. [13.28] Entry of Judgment When There Is a Bench Trial or No Verdict of the Jury
- VIII. [13.29] Written Judgment Orders
- IX. [13.30] Summary of Applicable Sections of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure and Illinois Supreme Court Rules
- Chapter 14 — Posttrial Motions
- Chapter Summary
- I. Introduction
- II. Nature of Available Motions
- III. Procedure
- [14.10] In General
- [14.11] Illinois State Courts
- [14.12] Posttrial Motions in Jury Cases
- [14.13] One Motion
- [14.14] No Condition Precedent
- [14.15] Specification of Grounds
- [14.16] Time To File
- [14.17] Necessity of Cross-Motion
- [14.18] Further Motion if Posttrial Relief Granted to Opponent
- [14.19] Posttrial Motion After Reversal
- [14.20] Posttrial Motion Subsequent to a Directed Verdict or Partial Summary Judgment in a Jury Case
- [14.21] Amendment
- [14.22] Ruling on Motions
- [14.23] Stay of Enforcement and Extension of Time To Appeal
- [14.24] Successive Motions Prohibited
- [14.25] Effect of Motion for New Trial
- [14.26] Form of Posttrial Motion in Illinois State Court
- [14.27] Motions After Judgment in Nonjury Cases
- [14.28] Stay of Enforcement and Extension of Time To Appeal
- [14.29] Other Relief
- [14.30] Successive Motions Prohibited
- [14.31] Federal Courts
- Posttrial Motions in Jury Cases
- [14.32] Differences from Illinois State Court Procedures
- [14.33] Motion and Renewed Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50
- [14.34] Motion for New Trial or To Amend Judgment — Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59
- [14.35] Posttrial Motions in Nonjury Cases
- [14.36] Form of Posttrial Motion in Federal Court
- IV. [14.37] Contents of the Motion
- [14.38] Types of Posttrial Relief and Grounds
- [14.39] Grounds for Arrest of Judgment
- [14.40] Grounds for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict
- [14.41] Grounds for New Trial
- [14.42] Verdicts Not Supported by Evidence
- [14.43] Improper Verdicts
- [14.44] Defects in Pleadings
- [14.45] Evidence Discovered After Trial
- [14.46] Affidavits
- [14.47] Other Grounds
- Grounds for Posttrial Relief as to Amount of Judgment
- [14.48] New Trial on the Issue of Damages
- [14.49] Remittitur
- [14.50] Illinois state practice
- [14.51] Federal practice
- [14.52] Form of request
- [14.53] Additur
- [14.54] Reduction of Judgment Because of Covenant Not To Sue
- [14.55] Reduction in Amount of Recovery Due to Payments from Collateral Source
- Specification of Points or Errors
- [14.56] Separate Statements of Errors
- [14.57] Permitted or Refused Evidence
- [14.58] Misconduct of Counsel
- [14.59] Verdict Against the Evidence
- [14.60] Giving or Refusing of Tendered Instructions
- [14.61] Careful Review of Record
- V. Other Motions After Trial
- Robert Marc Chemers
Robert Marc Chemers
Robert Marc Chemers is a Senior Equity Partner at Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered, in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in insurance coverage, as well as appellate and civil litigation and appeals. He is a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel and a Member of both the Illinois State and American Bar Associations. Chemers received his B.A. magma cum laude from the University of Southern California and his J.D. cum laude from Indiana University School of Law.
- Stacie R. Hartman
Stacie R. Hartman
Stacie R. Hartman is a Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, in Chicago, where she concentrates her practice in financial services. She is recognized by Chambers Global, Chambers USA (Nationwide), and she was selected as a Notable Women in Law by Crain’s Chicago Business (2020, 2021, and 2024), and a Trailblazers in Finance, Banking & Capital Markets by the National Law Journal (2019). Hartman studied at St. Catherine’s College — Oxford University, received her B.A. from Northwestern University, and received her J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
- Laura A. Kelly
Laura A. Kelly
Laura A. Kelly is a Partner in the Litigation and Government Enforcement group at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, products liability litigation, and international arbitration. She is a published author in multiple legal publications and was a prior honoree of Baker McKenzie’s Robert L. Berner Jr. Pro Bono and Public Service Award of Excellence. Kelly is a Member of the Chicago Bar Association. She received her B.A. cum laude from Vanderbilt University, where she was Phi Beta Kappa, and her J.D. cum laude from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
- Cara A. Lawson
Cara A. Lawson
Cara A. Lawson is Counsel at McDermott Will & Schulte LLP, in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on commercial litigation. She was recognized by Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation (2021, 2022, and 2025). Lawson is Vice Chair of the Public Interest Law Initiative, Young Professionals Board, and a member of the Chicago Bar Association’s Young Professionals Board. She received her J.D. cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law.
- Sean Maloney
Sean Maloney
Sean Maloney is an associate at Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered, in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in litigation. He is a member of the Illinois State, Chicago, and American Bar Associations. Maloney received his J.D. cum laude from DePaul University school of Law.
- Michael C. McCutcheon
Michael C. McCutcheon
Michael C. McCutcheon is a Partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP, in Chicago, where he focuses his practice on litigation and international arbitration. He is a member Chicago Bar Association, the Seventh Circuit Bar Association, and the Trial Bar for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. McCutcheon received his B.S. from the University of Illinois and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
- Richard L. Miller II
Richard L. Miller II
Richard L. Miller II is a Partner at Miller PC, in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, class actions, and labor law. He has litigated disputes involving business contracts, employment law, insurance coverage, trademarks, partnership agreements, and corporate veil-piercing claims, among others. Miller is an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where he has served as an instructor for Trial Advocacy since 2005 and for Advanced Trial Advocacy since 2013. He has been an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association since 2008, for FINRA since 2018, and for the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program from 2003 to 2005. As an assistant state’s attorney, he prosecuted approximately 50 jury trials, including two murder cases. Miller has served on the IICLE® Board of Directors since 2023. He has also spoken for IICLE® programs, including Trial Advocacy for Civil Litigators (2019) and Laying Foundations for Introducing Evidence (2018), and he served on the faculty for IICLE®’s Trial Advocacy series, speaking on motions, negotiating settlements, and cross-examinations. He has been repeatedly recognized as a Leading Lawyer, Super Lawyer, and Rising Star. In 2008, he was named one of the 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 To Watch by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company, which publishes the Chicago Lawyer and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Miller is a Past President of the Law Alumni Board for the University of Illinois College of Law. He attended the University of Illinois College of Law on a full, merit scholarship and graduated cum laude in 1997. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Business in 1992.
- Telly C. Nakos
Telly C. Nakos
Telly C. Nakos is Vice President and Cofounder at O’Connor & Nakos Ltd., in Chicago, where he concentrates his practice in personal injury. He is a two-time recipient of the American College of Trial Lawyers Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, and he has also received the International Academy of Trial Lawyers Advocacy Award. Nakos was also selected as one of Illinois’ 40 under Forty by Law Bulletin Media. He received his undergraduate degree from Wabash College and his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
- Leah Garland Nolan
Leah Garland Nolan
Leah Garland Nolan is a Senior Associate at Heyl Royster, in Chicago, where she concentrates her practice in medical malpractice, personal injury, and §1983 actions. Nolan is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois Defense Counsel’s Practice Development Committee. She received her J.D. summa cum laude from the Northern Illinois University College of Law.
- Steven R. Wolke
Steven R. Wolke
Steven R. Wolke is the owner of Wolke Legal, LLC, in Sigel, where he concentrates his practice on civil and criminal litigation, real estate law, and estate planning. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, and he is the assistant treasurer of the Life Center of Cumberland County. Wolke received his B.A. from Eastern Illinois University and his J.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Law.
- Laura Young
Laura Young
Laura Young is a Partner at Nielsen, Zehe & Antas, P.C., in Chicago, where she focuses her practice on medical malpractice defense. She is a Member of the Illinois Bar Association and the Society of Trial Lawyers. Young received her B.A. from George Washington University and her J.D. from Michigan State Law School.
Civil Practice: Trying the Case 2026 Edition
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