This program will provide an introduction to civil trial preparation in New Jersey, from taking the case to final trial preparation, and the many important procedures in between. You will learn not only the rules, but also practical strategies and techniques to handle basic civil litigation in both federal and state courts of New Jersey. Topics include:
-Case evaluation, engagement budgets and client relations
-Pre-suit proceedings - litigation due diligence, investigations, witness interviews and evidence preservation
-Pleadings, drafting techniques and pleading strategies
-Discovery, scope and privilege issues; Rule 26 disclosures; best practices; case management; discovery of electronically stored information; effective use of interrogatories and document requests; deposition procedures, strategies and techniques; requests for admission; independent medical examinations and non-party discovery
-Experts, role of experts; finding and retaining experts; preparation of reports; discovery issues; and admissibility of expert opinion testimony
-Motions, strategies, procedures and standards for motions directed to pleadings, discovery and dispositive issues; brief writing and oral argument
-Final trial preparation, pre-trial exchanges/submissions; pre-trial conferences and motions in limine
This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 4.8 hours of total CLE credit. This program also qualifies for 4.8 hours of credit for NJ civil or criminal trial preparation for NJ newly admitted lawyers.