Avoiding Trial Traps: Essential Strategies for Jury Selection, Evidence, Closing Arguments and Ethics in the Court Room

James M. Susag
James M. Susag | Larkin Hoffman

James M. Susag is a seasoned trial attorney with a focus on franchise and dealer disputes, real estate, and complex commercial matters. He has been the lead attorney in over 100 trials and arbitrations in state and federal courts across the country and in domestic and international arbitration forums.

On-Demand: March 7, 2025

2 hour CLE

Tuition: $195.00
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Program Summary

In this advanced session, we will dive deep into critical mistakes that even seasoned trial attorneys often make and provide actionable strategies to avoid them. Whether you're dealing with jury selection, managing evidence, or delivering closing arguments, this program will help you fine-tune your trial techniques and elevate your practice. Join us to refine your skills and stop making the same mistakes.

Key topics to be discussed:

  • Avoiding jury selection pitfalls: Identifying prejudiced jurors
  • Mastering opening statements: Techniques to engage and persuade
  • Effective cross-examination: Anticipating backfire tactics
  • Evidence rules: Common misunderstandings and how to navigate them
  • Winning with trial motions: Avoiding common errors
  • Techniques for presenting evidence: Avoiding rookie mistakes
  • Closing arguments: How small mistakes can undermine your case
  • Ethics in the courtroom: Navigating the gray areas

Closed-captioning available

Speakers

James M. Susag_Larkin Hoffman_myLawCLEJames M. Susag | Larkin Hoffman

jsusag@larkinhoffman.com | 952-896-1572

James M. Susag is a seasoned trial attorney with a focus on franchise and dealer disputes, real estate, and complex commercial matters. He has been the lead attorney in over 100 trials and arbitrations in state and federal courts across the country and in domestic and international arbitration forums. Jim has the unique perspective of a trial lawyer who has also managed complex litigation and developed strategic legal plans as in-house counsel. Clients appreciate his boardroom-to-courtroom experience in crafting resolutions for their business disputes.

Agenda

I. Avoiding jury selection pitfalls: Identifying prejudiced jurors | 1:00pm – 1:15pm

II. Mastering opening statements: Techniques to engage and persuade | 1:15pm – 1:30pm

III. Effective cross-examination: Anticipating backfire tactics | 1:30pm – 1:45pm

IV. Evidence rules: Common misunderstandings and how to navigate them | 1:45pm – 2:00pm

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

V. Winning with trial motions: Avoiding common errors | 2:10pm – 2:25pm

VI. Techniques for presenting evidence: Avoiding rookie mistakes | 2:25pm – 2:40pm

VII. Closing arguments: How small mistakes can undermine your case | 2:40 pm – 2:55pm

VIII. Ethics in the courtroom: Navigating the gray areas | 2:55pm – 3:10pm

Credits

Alaska

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

Our programs are CLE-eligible through Alaska’s recognition of multi-jurisdictional reciprocity.
Alabama

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Arkansas

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

Arizona

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

California

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

Colorado

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Connecticut

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

District of Columbia

No MCLE Required
2 CLE Hours

Delaware

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Florida

Approved via Attorney Submission
2.5 General

Receive CLE credit in Florida via attorney submission.
Georgia

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Hawaii

Approved for CLE Credits
2.4 General

Iowa

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Idaho

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Illinois

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Indiana

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Kansas

Pending CLE Approval
2 Substantive

Kentucky

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Louisiana

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Massachusetts

No MCLE Required
2 CLE Hours

Maryland

No MCLE Required
2 CLE Hours

Maine

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Michigan

No MCLE Required
2 CLE Hours

Minnesota

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Missouri

Approved for CLE Credits
2.4 General

Mississippi

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Montana

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

North Carolina

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

North Dakota

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

Our programs are CLE-eligible through North Dakota’s recognition of multi-jurisdictional reciprocity. Section 1, Policy 1.14
Nebraska

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

myLawCLE reports attendance to Nebraska on each attorney’s behalf for all programs. Please do not self-report.
New Hampshire

Approved for CLE Credits
120 General Minutes

As of July 1, 2014, the NHMCLE Board no longer provides pre- or post-approval of courses. Attendees must self-determine whether a program is eligible for credit, and self-report their attendance online at www.nhbar.org, based on qualification provisions of Rule 53.
New Jersey

Approved for CLE Credits
2.4 General

Our programs are CLE-eligible through New Jersey’s recognition of multi-jurisdictional reciprocity, except for the courses required under BCLE Reg. 201:2
New Mexico

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

Nevada

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

New York

Approved for CLE Credits
2.4 General

Our programs are CLE-eligible through New York’s Approved Jurisdiction Group “B”.
Ohio

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Oklahoma

Pending CLE Approval
2.5 General

Oregon

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Pennsylvania

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

Rhode Island

Pending CLE Approval
2.5 General

South Carolina

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

South Dakota

No MCLE Required
2 CLE Hours

Tennessee

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Texas

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Utah

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

Virginia

Not Eligible
2 General

Vermont

Approved for CLE Credits
2 General

Washington

Approved via Attorney Submission
2 Law & Legal

Receive CLE credit in Washington via Attorney Submission. myLawCLE will supply Washington state attorneys with instructions on how to gain credit.
Wisconsin

Pending CLE Approval
2.4 General

West Virginia

Pending CLE Approval
2.4 General

Wyoming

Pending CLE Approval
2 General

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