Through practical, experience-driven sessions, build the habits of preparation, professionalism, and strategic advocacy necessary to navigate courtroom dynamics, protect your credibility, and advance your cases.
Credits: 0 General, 0 Diversity/Inclusion PR, 0 MH/SA PR, 6 Other PR
Program Agenda
Monday, September 14, 2026 Live Webcast
9:00 – 10:00
Motion Practice Essentials: Drafting Effective Motions, Responses, and Replies
1.0 General PR
Learn to draft persuasive, well-grounded motions, responses, and replies that balance statutory requirements, court expectations, and your clients’ objectives.
Justice Debra Walker, First District Illinois Appellate Court
Michele Jochner, Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck LLP, Chicago
10:10 – 11:10
Mastering Court Appearances: Practical Strategies for Routine and Contested Hearings
1.0 General PR
Start using the preparation strategies utilized by experienced litigators that communicate professionalism and aid the administration of justice through all court appearances, from routine appearances to contested motion hearings, both in-person and virtual.
Laura Castagna, Kelly and Castagna, Bloomington
11:20 – 12:20
A Trial Lawyer’s Guide to Offering, Objecting to, and Admitting Evidence
1.0 General PR
Strategically select and use exhibits to tell a compelling case narrative while mastering the mechanics of laying foundation, authenticating evidence, and responding to objections through this live demonstration of courtroom techniques.
Russell D. Knight, The Law Office of Russell D. Knight, Chicago
Bhavya K. Pathak, Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa, Chicago
1:30 – 2:30
Lock It In: Depositions that Drive Cross-Examination
1.0 General PR
Use depositions to secure clear, binding testimony that drives effective cross-examination and strengthens your position at trial.
Bradley Pollock, Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC, Chicago
2:40 – 3:40
Know Your Judge: Strategies for Respecting the Court and Communicating Your Case
1.0 General PR
Tailor your advocacy to the preferences and expectations of individual judges by demonstrating professionalism, respecting courtroom procedures, and clearly communicating your case to the bench.
Kristi L. Browne, Patterson Law Firm, Chicago
3:50 – 4:50
The Lawyer You Want To Be: Civility, Preparation, and Professionalism
1.0 General PR
Learn practical frameworks for maintaining credibility with judges, managing client relationships, and protecting your professional standing and personal well-being while addressing incivility and reputation-building.
Jordan Rosenberg, Beermann LLP, Chicago
4:50 – 4:55
Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Related Resource
Laying Foundations for Introducing Evidence Handbook & CLE
Strengthen your courtroom preparation with the 2026 handbook / e-book and related on-demand CLE. Practical guidance on laying foundations for evidence, addressing objections, and handling both traditional and digital proof in Illinois civil cases.
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