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Creating a Trial Notebook: From A-Z (2025 Edition)

The notebook that proves you’re trial-ready is what moves the other side at settlement—and the same system that wins if the case goes the distance. You’ll map counsel’s binder versus the paralegal’s copy, the exhibit and witness systems, and the deployment two retired judges say the bench rewards.

2025-09-24 13:00:00

2.75 hours

Program Details

2025-09-24 13:00:00

Program Details

2025-09-24 13:00:00

Over 1,000+ webinars

2025-09-24 13:00:00

2.75 hours

Course Overview

Trial-Ready Is the Leverage—At the Table and in the Courtroom

2025-09-24 13:00:00

Most cases settle, and the side that looks genuinely ready to try the case is the side that dictates terms. That readiness isn’t a posture—it’s a system: a trial notebook built from the case’s first weeks, not thrown together days before a trial that may never come.

Walk into mediation with your impeachment file indexed and your exhibits organized, and you negotiate from leverage instead of memory. Show up to a deposition able to pull any document in seconds, and the other side recalculates what you’ll do at trial. Keep one undivided binder, and you’re hunting for the page while the moment passes.

This class builds that system end to end—what goes in counsel’s working binder versus the paralegal’s copy, how to structure exhibit and witness management, how to pre-mark exhibits and coordinate with court clerks, and when to go digital, paper, or hybrid. Two retired judges then explain the courtroom deployment the bench rewards if the case goes the distance: motions resolved early, schedules kept tight, downtime eliminated. You leave with one retrieval system that gives you leverage at settlement and command at trial.

Format

CLE Credit

2.75h CLE Credits

Level

Intermediate

Length

2.75

Key topics that will be covered

01
Build it early
Assemble and index the notebook from the litigation’s first weeks, so it’s working for you at deposition and mediation, not just trial.
02
Settlement leverage
Use a trial-ready, fully indexed notebook to negotiate from strength and move the other side at the table.
03
Binder architecture
Build counsel’s working binder and the paralegal’s copy so each role holds exactly what it needs.
04
Exhibit and witness systems
Organize witness files and pre-marked exhibits for instant retrieval in a deposition, hearing, or trial.
05
Courtroom deployment
Pull the notebook to win pretrial motions, objections, sidebars, and jury arguments in real time.
06
Early motion practice
File dispositive and in limine motions early so the judge has time to rule.

Program schedule

clock 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Practical Tips for Creating and Using Trial Notebooks

This session explores the fundamentals of trial notebook creation, examining both physical and digital formats while emphasizing that form follows function. Attendees will learn what materials to include in counsel’s working binder versus paralegal copies, and how to effectively use notebooks during witness questioning, objections, and courtroom arguments.

Hon. Stephen KausHon. Stephen Kaus
Judge Judith H. RamseyerJudge Judith H. Ramseyer
Sean P. HealySean P. Healy
Heather CrawfordHeather Crawford
clock 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm EST

Trial Preparation Techniques and Organization for Paralegals

Paralegals will master essential trial notebook organization including standard tab structures, exhibit management systems, and witness tracking protocols. The session covers pretrial planning workflows, digital versus paper strategies, and practical techniques for maintaining courtroom-ready materials under pressure.

Hon. Stephen KausHon. Stephen Kaus
Judge Judith H. RamseyerJudge Judith H. Ramseyer
Sean P. HealySean P. Healy
Heather CrawfordHeather Crawford
clock 3:20 pm - 4:05 pm EST

Effective Trial Practice from the Judge's Perspective

A retired judge shares insights on what makes trial attorneys effective, emphasizing early preparation, timely motion resolution, and courtroom professionalism. Participants will learn how judicial perspectives on organization, civility, and efficient presentation directly impact jury perception and case outcomes.

Hon. Stephen KausHon. Stephen Kaus
Judge Judith H. RamseyerJudge Judith H. Ramseyer
Sean P. HealySean P. Healy
Heather CrawfordHeather Crawford
Hon. Stephen Kaus

Hon. Stephen Kaus

JAMS

Judge Judith H. Ramseyer

Judge Judith H. Ramseyer

JAMS

Sean P. Healy

Sean P. Healy

Healy Law Offices, P.C.

Heather Crawford

Heather Crawford

Hon. Stephen Kaus

Hon. Stephen Kaus

JAMS

Hon. Stephen Kaus (Ret.) brings more than 50 years of legal experience—including 12 years on the Alameda County Superior Court—to his JAMS practice as a mediator, arbitrator, and court-appointed neutral. As a direct calendar judge managing 600 to 800 active cases, he presided over complex multiparty disputes, bench and jury trials, and numerous settlement conferences. His experience as both judge and advocate allows him to analyze legal issues efficiently and facilitate pragmatic resolutions.

Education & Credentials

Judge Kaus earned his J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law (formerly Boalt Hall) in 1973 and his B.A. cum laude in Political Science from UCLA in 1970, with additional study at the University of Sussex in England. He is admitted to the bars of the U.S. Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, the Third and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal, all four California federal district courts, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the District of Oregon.

Recognition & Leadership

He was named Trial Judge of the Year by the Alameda Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association in 2021 and received the Bar Association of San Francisco's Award of Merit in 1995 for creating a conflicts-counsel program to strengthen indigent defense. He also received the Clarence Gideon Award for Public Service from the San Francisco Public Defender. On the bench, he co-chaired the court's Information and Technology Committee and served on its Rules and Forms Committee.

Professional Involvement

Judge Kaus is a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, the California Judges' Association Civil Committee, and the Alameda and Los Angeles County Bar Associations. During his long membership in the Bar Association of San Francisco, he served on the Board of Directors and chaired its Special Committee on Conflicts Counsel. He has taught federal civil procedure and criminal trial practice at the University of San Francisco and UC Berkeley, lectured for the Practicing Law Institute and Continuing Education of the Bar, and authored numerous legal publications.

Experience

Before his judicial appointment, Judge Kaus practiced civil litigation for decades, representing professionals—including engineers, attorneys, and judges—in construction, insurance, and commercial disputes for both plaintiffs and defendants. For twenty years he was a partner at the midsize San Francisco firm Cooper, White & Cooper LLP, representing media, cable TV, and telecom clients in employment, contract, and franchising disputes, and handling construction matters involving major public buildings such as concert halls and hospitals. He chaired the firm's litigation department, served on its Executive Committee, and sat on the First District Court of Appeal mediation panel. He began his career as a Deputy Public Defender in Contra Costa County.
Judge Judith H. Ramseyer

Judge Judith H. Ramseyer

JAMS

Judge Judith H. Ramseyer (Ret.) joins JAMS after a 50-year professional career, serving as a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral, and neutral evaluator. Known for her thorough preparation, attention to detail, and independent thought, she wants all participants to feel respected and heard, and to understand how decisions affecting them are made. Her extensive legal experience helps her quickly identify the issues at the heart of complex problems, and her practical insight and creativity help parties reach equitable resolutions. With a relaxed demeanor, she brings a confident tenacity to her work.

Education & Credentials

Judge Ramseyer earned her J.D. summa cum laude from Seattle University School of Law in 1987, a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University in 1981, and a B.A. in Psychology from Eckerd College in 1971. Having trained as a mental health counselor, she brings a strong commitment to problem-solving to her work.

Recognition & Leadership

She was named Trial Judge of the Year by the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and received the King County Bar Association's Outstanding Judge of the Year Award, both in 2023. She also received the Key Award from the Washington Coalition for Open Government, the Innovating Justice Award from the Washington Courts, and earlier honors recognizing her work on diversity. She served as President of the Superior Court Judges' Association during 2020–2021, leading the courts through the COVID crisis, and chaired the Bench-Bar-Press Liaison Committee ("The Fire Brigade").

Professional Involvement

Judge Ramseyer has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the William L. Dwyer Inn of Court, Chief Judge of the Clark Children and Family Justice Center, and Co-Chair of the Board for Judicial Administration's Court Recovery Task Force. She has lectured on civil procedure at the University of Washington, presented for the National Bar Institute and King County Bar Association, and spoken internationally, including a keynote at an international mediation competition in Florence in 2025.

Experience

Elected to the King County Superior Court in 2012, Judge Ramseyer presided over the full range of superior court matters—including business and commercial disputes, personal injury, product liability, professional liability, insurance, civil rights, family law, and real property—and conducted settlement conferences. Before the bench, she maintained a solo practice in business and commercial litigation and family law, served as Special Counsel at Heller Ehrman and Of Counsel at K&L Gates, and represented both plaintiffs and defendants at small civil rights and large national firms. She also served seven years as a career law clerk to the Hon. William L. Dwyer of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Sean P. Healy

Sean P. Healy

Healy Law Offices, P.C.

Sean P. Healy has practiced law in Tyler, Texas for more than twenty-five years. He moved to Texas in 1992 to work for another attorney and established his own practice in 1995, operating his own firm, Healy Law Offices, P.C., for most of his career. His practice centers on litigation—including jury trials and a range of court cases—alongside family law matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and CPS cases. He also represents businesses and nonprofit organizations and maintains an active presence in firearms and aviation matters.

Education & Credentials

Mr. Healy earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and communications studies and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law, where he was a Summerfield/Watkins Berger scholar and National Merit Finalist. In law school he served as an Appellate Advocacy instructor and competed on the National Trial Advocacy Team. He is a licensed Private Pilot and an NRA Training Counselor certified across ten firearms-instruction disciplines.

Recognition & Leadership

He serves as Course Director for the State Bar of Texas Firearms Law Seminar (2012 and 2013) and has contributed to every seminar. The Smith County Bar Foundation and Lone Star Legal Aid named him 2019 Volunteer Attorney of the Year for his pro bono work.

Professional Involvement

A longtime member of the State Bar College, Mr. Healy has served as a mediator since the mid-1990s and sits on the American Arbitration Association's Panel of Mediators and its Commercial and Construction Arbitrator panels. He serves as General Counsel for the Texas State Rifle Association and appears regularly on television to discuss legal issues and gun laws.

Experience

Mr. Healy is the lead author of The Legal Guide to NFA Firearms (2016), believed to be the first book on the subject. He served as National Corporate Counsel for American Mensa and, in 2005, testified in support of House Bill 823, which became the Motorist Protection Act.
Heather Crawford

Heather Crawford

Heather Crawford is a Minnesota freelance paralegal with 20 years of experience in civil litigation, family law, indigent law, and class actions. She thrives on order, strategy, and a well-organized binder, and is known for her deadline-driven efficiency and no-nonsense approach. She loves document production and any task that lets her organize large volumes of paper. A self-described “storyteller in progress,” she now balances her legal work with creative writing.

Education & Credentials

Ms. Crawford earned an Associate's degree in Legal Assistant Studies from Austin Community College in 2006. She is currently pursuing a degree in Creative Writing at Hamline University, where she is a member of the Class of 2027.

Recognition & Leadership

She was awarded a Summer Collaborative Undergraduate Research grant from Hamline University to collaborate with a faculty member on an artist's book of her essays, poetry, and visual and digital art. She was also featured as a storyteller for a special video on the American Dream by The Math podcast.

Professional Involvement

Ms. Crawford is committed to community and legal service. She served as a Legal Advocate Volunteer with The SAFE Alliance and as a Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts of Central Texas for nearly a decade.

Experience

Ms. Crawford has supported attorneys at every level of the judicial system, from local municipal court all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Her career spans firms in both Texas and Minnesota, including a Class Action Paralegal role at Chestnut Cambronne PA and Litigation Paralegal positions at Foley Mansfield and Best & Flanagan in Minneapolis. Earlier in Texas, she held paralegal roles at Richie & Gueringer, PC, the Law Office of Becky Beaver, and the Texas Advocacy Project, and served as a Civil Litigation Paralegal at O'Toole Atwell, PC and Moltz Morton O'Toole, LLP.
Hon. Stephen Kaus

Hon. Stephen Kaus

JAMS

Hon. Stephen Kaus (Ret.) brings more than 50 years of legal experience—including 12 years on the Alameda County Superior Court—to his JAMS practice as a mediator, arbitrator, and court-appointed neutral. As a direct calendar judge managing 600 to 800 active cases, he presided over complex multiparty disputes, bench and jury trials, and numerous settlement conferences. His experience as both judge and advocate allows him to analyze legal issues efficiently and facilitate pragmatic resolutions.

Education & Credentials

Judge Kaus earned his J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law (formerly Boalt Hall) in 1973 and his B.A. cum laude in Political Science from UCLA in 1970, with additional study at the University of Sussex in England. He is admitted to the bars of the U.S. Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, the Third and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeal, all four California federal district courts, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the District of Oregon.

Recognition & Leadership

He was named Trial Judge of the Year by the Alameda Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association in 2021 and received the Bar Association of San Francisco's Award of Merit in 1995 for creating a conflicts-counsel program to strengthen indigent defense. He also received the Clarence Gideon Award for Public Service from the San Francisco Public Defender. On the bench, he co-chaired the court's Information and Technology Committee and served on its Rules and Forms Committee.

Professional Involvement

Judge Kaus is a member of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, the California Judges' Association Civil Committee, and the Alameda and Los Angeles County Bar Associations. During his long membership in the Bar Association of San Francisco, he served on the Board of Directors and chaired its Special Committee on Conflicts Counsel. He has taught federal civil procedure and criminal trial practice at the University of San Francisco and UC Berkeley, lectured for the Practicing Law Institute and Continuing Education of the Bar, and authored numerous legal publications.

Experience

Before his judicial appointment, Judge Kaus practiced civil litigation for decades, representing professionals—including engineers, attorneys, and judges—in construction, insurance, and commercial disputes for both plaintiffs and defendants. For twenty years he was a partner at the midsize San Francisco firm Cooper, White & Cooper LLP, representing media, cable TV, and telecom clients in employment, contract, and franchising disputes, and handling construction matters involving major public buildings such as concert halls and hospitals. He chaired the firm's litigation department, served on its Executive Committee, and sat on the First District Court of Appeal mediation panel. He began his career as a Deputy Public Defender in Contra Costa County.
Judge Judith H. Ramseyer

Judge Judith H. Ramseyer

JAMS

Judge Judith H. Ramseyer (Ret.) joins JAMS after a 50-year professional career, serving as a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral, and neutral evaluator. Known for her thorough preparation, attention to detail, and independent thought, she wants all participants to feel respected and heard, and to understand how decisions affecting them are made. Her extensive legal experience helps her quickly identify the issues at the heart of complex problems, and her practical insight and creativity help parties reach equitable resolutions. With a relaxed demeanor, she brings a confident tenacity to her work.

Education & Credentials

Judge Ramseyer earned her J.D. summa cum laude from Seattle University School of Law in 1987, a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University in 1981, and a B.A. in Psychology from Eckerd College in 1971. Having trained as a mental health counselor, she brings a strong commitment to problem-solving to her work.

Recognition & Leadership

She was named Trial Judge of the Year by the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and received the King County Bar Association's Outstanding Judge of the Year Award, both in 2023. She also received the Key Award from the Washington Coalition for Open Government, the Innovating Justice Award from the Washington Courts, and earlier honors recognizing her work on diversity. She served as President of the Superior Court Judges' Association during 2020–2021, leading the courts through the COVID crisis, and chaired the Bench-Bar-Press Liaison Committee ("The Fire Brigade").

Professional Involvement

Judge Ramseyer has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the William L. Dwyer Inn of Court, Chief Judge of the Clark Children and Family Justice Center, and Co-Chair of the Board for Judicial Administration's Court Recovery Task Force. She has lectured on civil procedure at the University of Washington, presented for the National Bar Institute and King County Bar Association, and spoken internationally, including a keynote at an international mediation competition in Florence in 2025.

Experience

Elected to the King County Superior Court in 2012, Judge Ramseyer presided over the full range of superior court matters—including business and commercial disputes, personal injury, product liability, professional liability, insurance, civil rights, family law, and real property—and conducted settlement conferences. Before the bench, she maintained a solo practice in business and commercial litigation and family law, served as Special Counsel at Heller Ehrman and Of Counsel at K&L Gates, and represented both plaintiffs and defendants at small civil rights and large national firms. She also served seven years as a career law clerk to the Hon. William L. Dwyer of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Sean P. Healy

Sean P. Healy

Healy Law Offices, P.C.

Sean P. Healy has practiced law in Tyler, Texas for more than twenty-five years. He moved to Texas in 1992 to work for another attorney and established his own practice in 1995, operating his own firm, Healy Law Offices, P.C., for most of his career. His practice centers on litigation—including jury trials and a range of court cases—alongside family law matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and CPS cases. He also represents businesses and nonprofit organizations and maintains an active presence in firearms and aviation matters.

Education & Credentials

Mr. Healy earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology and communications studies and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law, where he was a Summerfield/Watkins Berger scholar and National Merit Finalist. In law school he served as an Appellate Advocacy instructor and competed on the National Trial Advocacy Team. He is a licensed Private Pilot and an NRA Training Counselor certified across ten firearms-instruction disciplines.

Recognition & Leadership

He serves as Course Director for the State Bar of Texas Firearms Law Seminar (2012 and 2013) and has contributed to every seminar. The Smith County Bar Foundation and Lone Star Legal Aid named him 2019 Volunteer Attorney of the Year for his pro bono work.

Professional Involvement

A longtime member of the State Bar College, Mr. Healy has served as a mediator since the mid-1990s and sits on the American Arbitration Association's Panel of Mediators and its Commercial and Construction Arbitrator panels. He serves as General Counsel for the Texas State Rifle Association and appears regularly on television to discuss legal issues and gun laws.

Experience

Mr. Healy is the lead author of The Legal Guide to NFA Firearms (2016), believed to be the first book on the subject. He served as National Corporate Counsel for American Mensa and, in 2005, testified in support of House Bill 823, which became the Motorist Protection Act.
Heather Crawford

Heather Crawford

Heather Crawford is a Minnesota freelance paralegal with 20 years of experience in civil litigation, family law, indigent law, and class actions. She thrives on order, strategy, and a well-organized binder, and is known for her deadline-driven efficiency and no-nonsense approach. She loves document production and any task that lets her organize large volumes of paper. A self-described “storyteller in progress,” she now balances her legal work with creative writing.

Education & Credentials

Ms. Crawford earned an Associate's degree in Legal Assistant Studies from Austin Community College in 2006. She is currently pursuing a degree in Creative Writing at Hamline University, where she is a member of the Class of 2027.

Recognition & Leadership

She was awarded a Summer Collaborative Undergraduate Research grant from Hamline University to collaborate with a faculty member on an artist's book of her essays, poetry, and visual and digital art. She was also featured as a storyteller for a special video on the American Dream by The Math podcast.

Professional Involvement

Ms. Crawford is committed to community and legal service. She served as a Legal Advocate Volunteer with The SAFE Alliance and as a Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts of Central Texas for nearly a decade.

Experience

Ms. Crawford has supported attorneys at every level of the judicial system, from local municipal court all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Her career spans firms in both Texas and Minnesota, including a Class Action Paralegal role at Chestnut Cambronne PA and Litigation Paralegal positions at Foley Mansfield and Best & Flanagan in Minneapolis. Earlier in Texas, she held paralegal roles at Richie & Gueringer, PC, the Law Office of Becky Beaver, and the Texas Advocacy Project, and served as a Civil Litigation Paralegal at O'Toole Atwell, PC and Moltz Morton O'Toole, LLP.

Credits by state

AK2.8
AL2.8
AR2.8
AZ2.8
CA2.8
CO3.0
CT2.8
DC2.8
DE2.8
FL2.8
GA3.0
HI2.8
IA2.8
ID2.8
IL2.8
IN2.8
KS2.8
KY2.8
LA2.8
MA2.8
MD2.8
ME2.8
MI2.8
MN2.8
MO3.3
MS2.8
MT2.8
NC2.8
ND2.8
NE2.8
NH165.0
NJ3.3
NM2.7
NV3.0
NY3.0
OH2.8
OK3.5
OR2.8
PA3.0
RI3.0
SC2.8
SD2.8
TN2.8
TX2.8
UT3.0
VA2.8
VT2.8
WA2.0
WI3.0
WV3.3
WY2.8

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Trusted by Legal Professionals

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Trusted by Legal Professionals

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Live stream programs

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70,000+

Trusted by Legal Professionals

MCLE Credits

Alabama
Approved
Alaska
Approved
Arizona
Approved
Arkansas
Approved
California
Approved
Colorado
Approved
Connecticut
Approved
Delaware
Pending
District of Columbia
No Required
Florida
Approved
Georgia
Approved
Hawaii
Approved
Idaho
Pending
Illinois
Approved
Indiana
Pending
Iowa
Pending
Kansas
Pending
Kentucky
Pending
Louisiana
Pending
Maine
Pending
Maryland
No Required
Massachusetts
No Required
Michigan
No Required
Minnesota
Approved
Mississippi
Pending
Missouri
Approved
Montana
Approved
Nebraska
Pending
Nevada
Approved
New Hampshire
Approved
New Jersey
Approved
New Mexico
Approved
New York
Approved
North Carolina
Pending
North Dakota
Approved
Ohio
Approved
Oklahoma
Pending
Oregon
Pending
Pennsylvania
Approved
Rhode Island
Pending
South Carolina
Pending
South Dakota
No Required
Tennessee
Approved
Texas
Approved
Utah
Approved
Vermont
Approved
Virginia
Not Eligible
Washington
Approved
West Virginia
Pending
Wisconsin
Approved
Wyoming
Pending

Alabama

Requirements

The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.  

Formats

  • Attorneys can earn unlimited “live” credit through live seminars, live webcasts, and co-sponsored locations with MyLAWCLE-Alabama approved programs
  • Attorneys are limited to 6 credits per compliance period of “online” programs through MyLAwCLE On-Demand programs