Despite preliminary instructions from the judge, and the urging of counsel, surveys indicate that a majority of jurors make their decision after opening statements. This course reviews how to design an effective opening statement and take full advantage of it as an opportunity to acquaint the judge and jury with his/her position on the issues. Presentation, including intertwining the statement with a road map, or table of contents, of what is expected to unfold during the presentation of evidence, will also be discussed. Jury selection is the opportunity afforded to lawyers to affect the makeup of the panel which will sit in judgment of their client. The goal is to learn enough about the prospective jurors to decide which ones will be open to your client's position. Preparation for direct examination begins with your pleading. What do you have to prove or disprove? This presentation will review each aspect of the direct and cross examination starting from the very beginning the cross examination at which time you must determine your purpose. Do you want to probe the witness for information, attack the witness' truthfulness, or introduce new information? The lecture will provide you with a thorough understanding of creating and executing flawless examinations in court. Your summation, which comes at the end of the trial, actually began to take shape before voir dire. This presentation will review effective summation strategies and how to use the summation to have a persuasive conversation with the jury to focus in on the strength of your case.