The Deposition Funnel Reimagined – A Systematic Approach to Asking Questions at Deposition
Abstract: The structure of a deposition is often portrayed as a funnel, with the top of the funnel representing open-ended questions used for gathering information. The narrow bottom of the funnel represents the effort to lead the witness into making admissions that help the attorney taking the deposition. This article describes how to refine that…
Preparing for Deposition – A Case Theory Approach for Systematic Preparation
Abstract: A deposition is not just a way to obtain factual information. A deposition is also an opportunity to test alternative factual theories and case themes to determine the best theme to use at trial. Deposition planning should, therefore, focus on developing a range of theories to be tested in a deposition. This article presents…
Ethics in Negotiations
This course will begin by exploring the ethical obligations lawyers have when representing an organization or agency and conclude with determining how to assess whether a threat in a negotiation is permissible under the Rules of Professional Conduct.
NAGTRI Announces Formation of Center for Legal Advocacy and Faculty Development, Names Founding Director
Washington, D.C. — The National Attorneys General Training and Research Institute (NAGTRI), a branch of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), has established the Center for Legal Advocacy and Faculty Development (CLAFD). The new Center will consolidate NAGTRI’s long-standing efforts to provide innovative, legal skills training to members of the attorney general community in areas…
Jury Selection and Bull: Tips from the TV Program and Observations from a Practitioner
Can the new CBS television program Dr. Bull provide jury selection tips for AG prosecutors? An experienced and successful trial attorney with over 40 years' experience and 300 trials under his belt reviews the key principles from the program and offers his own suggestions for a revealing, informative, and persuasive voir dire.
Consumer Testimony: How to Prepare and Present Effectively and Ethically at Trial
A senior deputy attorney general from the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office highlights the importance of striking a balance ethically and effectively in what can be the most powerful piece of evidence in certain cases.
Teaching the Logistics of Legislative Drafting in Ethiopia: Part II
Jeromy Pankratz, Assistant Attorney General, South Dakota Attorney General’s Office It was with no small amount of astonishment that I listened to the class discuss with much solemnity their proposed legislation to prevent children of the kingdom from entering the forest while under threat of dragon attack. Wait. It may make more sense to start…
