Hear Cook County Law Division judges share their wisdom and advice for the lawyers who appear before them. The Symposium panel discussion format allows judges to address current procedures and trends as well as offer advocacy tips for improving your trial practice.
Expires 12/01/2027
Recording Date: December 3, 2025
Introductory Remarks – Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II
45 Minutes State of the Law Division
• Update on jury trial logistics and new time standards for trial closure (IL SC timelines update)
• Update on any new Law Division procedures. Remote vs In-Person?
• Judge selection process (Pick 5 process)
• Civility/Collegiality
• Law Division case statistics
Panelists:
• Hon. Thomas V. Lyons II, Acting Presiding Judge, Law Division
• Hon. Toya T. Harvey, Trial Section
• Discussion Leader: Robert A. Clifford, Founder and Senior Partner, Clifford Law Offices
45 Minutes Motion Practice
• Continuances
• Protective orders
• Respondents in discovery – Avoid overuse/misuse of 5/2-402 statute
• Discovery disputes – best practices. Resolving Discovery Disputes/Rule 201(k)
Panelists:
• Hon. Kathy M. Flanagan, Supervising Judge, Motion Section
• Hon. Sarah Rodak Johnson, Motion Section
• Hon. Michael F. Otto, Motion Section
• Hon. Elizabeth A. Walsh, Motion Section
• Discussion Leader: Anne Scrivner Kuban, Equity Partner, Cunningham Meyer & Vedrine PC
45 Minutes Trial Practice I (Before Trial)
• Pre-Trials
• Let’s Settle: Tips for working with the trial judge to reach settlement
• Motions in limine
• Controlled experts (IL SC Rule 213f3) – tips and challenges
Panelists:
• Hon. Scott D. McKenna, Trial Section
• Hon. Eileen M. O’Connor, Trial Section
• Hon. Brendan A. O’Brien, Trial Section
• Discussion Leader: Patrick A. Salvi II, Chicago Managing Partner, Salvi Schostok & Pritchard PC
45 Minutes Trial Practice II (During Trial)
• Tips for grabbing, holding and not losing the jury’s attention
• Use of technology – dos and don’ts
• Presenting evidence depositions
• Presentation of damages
• Closing the Jury: Tips for both sides on how to present your “ask” to jurors
Panelists:
• Hon. Patrick J. Heneghan, Trial Section
• Hon. Patricia O’Brien Sheahan, Trial Section
• Hon. Preston Jones Jr., Trial Section
• Discussion Leader: Aiju C. Thevatheril, Partner, Swanson Martin & Bell LLP
4:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Special Recognition – Immediate Past Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans
