Agenda / Content Covered

All times are shown in Eastern time

1. INITIAL CASE MANAGEMENT
   9:00 - 9:45, Brendan B. Lupetin
   
   1. Initial Client Interview - Crucial Information to Capture
   2. Initial Research
   3. Understanding the Strategic Plan for the Case
2. DRAFTING THE INITIAL PLEADINGS
   9:45 - 10:30, Brendan B. Lupetin
   
3. POWERFUL DISCOVERY TECHNIQUES
   10:45 - 11:45, Jennifer L. Hassett
   
   1. Discovery Rules the Paralegal Needs to Know
   2. Establishing Goals and Timelines for Discovery
   3. Formal Discovery Procedures
      1. Initial Disclosures
      2. Request for Admissions
      3. Request for Production of Documents
      4. Interrogatories and Answers
      5. Document Production Issues
   4. Motions and Notices
   5. Using Informal Discovery and Public Sources of Information
4. EFFECTIVE DOCUMENT CONTROL AND ORGANIZATION
   12:45 - 1:30, Ryan Mergl
   
   1. Understanding the Merits of the Case
   2. Reviewing, Abstracting and Indexing Documents
   3. Organizing Electronic Information
   4. Handling Large Volume Discovery Document Management
   5. Using Technology in Document Control
      1. Document Management/Case Management Software
      2. When to Hire a Vendor
5. ETHICAL QUESTIONS - THE PRACTICAL DO'S AND DON'TS
   1:30 - 2:30, Ryan Mergl
   
   1. Avoiding Situations That May Expose You to UPL
   2. Requirements for Attorney Supervision
   3. Evaluating Conflicts of Interest
   4. Managing Issues of Privilege
6. GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WITNESSES
   2:45 - 3:30, Brendan B. Lupetin
   
   1. Preparing the Client for Deposition and Trial
   2. Expert Witnesses
      1. Ways to Locate a Qualified Expert
      2. Expert Interrogatories
      3. Communication With the Expert Witness
   3. Lay Witnesses
7. PREPARING EVIDENCE AND EXHIBITS FOR TRIAL
   3:30 - 4:30, Jennifer L. Hassett
   
   1. Key Rules of Evidence and Why They Are Important
   2. Preservation of Evidence
      1. General Considerations
      2. Spoliation and Issues Related to Electronic Evidence
   3. Creating Demonstrative Evidence, Evidence and Exhibits for Use at Trial
   4. Using Technology to Present Evidence

JENNIFER L. HASSETT is a senior paralegal for Loose Law Group, P.C., of Scottsdale, Arizona, and formerly worked as a senior paralegal and case manager for the law firm of Bellah Perez, PLLC, in Glendale, Arizona. Ms. Hassett has eleven years of legal experience having gained extensive knowledge of family and civil litigation, court procedure, and all aspects of preparing cases for trial. Her experience includes research and drafting case pleadings, resolving chronic and contentious case issues and case management. The firm carries a caseload of 40 - 60 cases in the family law and civil department, of which Ms. Hassett is part of a team, including her attorney and legal assistant. The present caseload includes consenting and complex cases for dissolution, paternity, post-decree ligation, mediation and document preparation. Approximately one-third of those cases require a high acuity in resolving mental health, drug dependency, abuse, financial and/or property issues. These cases often involve the Arizona Department of Child Safety, multiple law enforcement agencies, private and court-appointed professionals, and others. Ms. Hassett has two associate of arts degrees in applied natural sciences and behavioral psychology as well as a paralegal certificate from The Center for Legal Studies. Currently, Ms. Hassett is a senior at the University of Arizona obtaining her bachelor's degree in law focusing on family law and mediation.

BRENDAN B. LUPETIN is a partner with Meyers Evans Lupetin & Unatin, LLC, where his practice areas include medical malpractice, personal injury, products liability, and corporate negligence. Mr. Lupetin is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and before the U.S. District Court Western District of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County, American Association of Justice, Allegheny County Bar Association, American Bar Association, and the Western Pennsylvania Association for Justice. Mr. Lupetin earned his B.S. degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his J.D. degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

RYAN MERGL is a former prosecutor and trial attorney representing clients throughout Pennsylvania and in the United States federal courts, with a practice focused on criminal justice, injury, and disability. Mr. Mergl received his B.A. degree from Franklin & Marshall College and his J.D. degree from Duquesne University School of Law. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Mercer County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Association of American Trial Lawyers.