Direct & Cross Examination Skills Program
The United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, in partnership with the Roger Williams University School of Law and the Rhode Island Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, is proud to announce the tweflth program in its Litigation Academy.
The program will take place at the federal courthouse and will provide hands-on training and lectures from November 14 - November 17, 2023. This is a unique opportunity for participants to hone their skills questioning witnesses in a mock trial setting, with constructive critiques by judges and experienced trial lawyers and professional actors serving as witnesses.
The schedule for the program is as follows:
Tuesday, Nov. 14:
2:00 p.m. Welcome/Orientation
2:20 p.m. Lecture: Direct Examinations
3:20 p.m. Lecture: Cross Examinations
4:10 p.m. Demostration
5:00 p.m. Reception
Wednesday, Nov. 15:
1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Witness Preparations
Thursday, Nov. 16:
9:30 a.m. Lecture: Ethics of Direct & Cross Examination
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Drills: Getting Exhibits into Evidence
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Drills: Impeaching the Witness
Friday, Nov. 17:
9:30 a.m. Lecture: Objections, the Difficult Witness, & Managing Opposing Counsel
10:30 a.m. Workshop: Direct & Cross Examinations
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Workshop: Direct & Cross Examinations
2:30 p.m. Closing Remarks
15.5 CLE credits total 1.0 credit for ethics will be available. The cost of the program is $750. Some partial scholarships are available based on financial hardship from the Rhode Island Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. If you are requesting financial assistance, please so indicate on the application.
If accepted, you will be notified by e-mail, with instructions on making payment.
If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact the program chairs, Brooks Magratten (bmagratten@pierceatwood.com; 401-490-3422) or Assistant Dean Niki Kuckes (nkuckes@rwu.edu; 401-254-4505).
