Topics Include:
Case Selection
• Initial client screening and interview
• Red flags
• Does it make economic sense?
• Are you willing to try the case and deal with an appeal?
J.D. Smith — Ward Smith PLLC, Seattle
Pre-Filing Preparation
• Developing a case theory and a game plan for investigation and trial preparation
• Gathering medical evidence and working with treating medical providers
• Obtaining written and recorded witness statements and working with private investigators
• Use of jury instructions as a guide for investigation and trial preparation
• Preservation of evidence
Allen N. Shabino — Allen N. Shabino, PS, Seattle
Preparing Demand Packages
• Timing: When is the appropriate time to send a demand package?
• Preparation of evidence and documentation
• Tips and tricks in drafting the Demand
• Using services such as Google Earth to illustrate accident scenes
• Bundling the Demand, options in sending to the adjuster
Elizabeth LePley — Moschetto & Koplin Law Firm, Bellevue
Identifying Applicable Insurance
• What first-party coverages may compensate an injured party?
• What third-party coverages may protect a defendant and possibly compensate a plaintiff?
• Why does insurance matter?
• Necessity and content of tender to insurers
• Understanding a reservation of rights
Karen Southworth Weaver — Soha & Lang PS, Seattle
Service of Process and Initial Discovery
• Statute of limitations
• Service of process
• Interrogatories and depositions
• Considering litigation costs
Peter E. Sutherland — Lee Smart PS Inc., Seattle
Trial — Putting on Your Case
• Voir dire
• Opening statements
• Putting on your case/Burden of proof
• Cross examination of an expert witness
• Closing argument
Jeffrey Twersky — Miller Kadish Twersky Law Firm, Everett
Why Trial? — Why You Should Try Cases Now
• Credibility
• Ethics
• Now is the time
• How to learn
• Using the opposition
Karl E. Malling — Karl E. Malling P.S., Richmond Beach
Ethics Panel
• Tank duties
• Defining the attorney-client relationship
• Russell v. Maas
• Avoiding disqualification
Allen N. Shabino
Karen Southworth Weaver
Peter E. Sutherland
Jeffrey Twersky
Seminar Date: May 16, 2012
Coursebook contains 218 pages