Civil Masters in Advocacy 2021

Stop Discovery Obstruction: Get the Evidence You Need to Prove Your Case

October 22, 2021

6.0 CLE Hours (inc. 1.0 ethics hour)

This CLE will focus on a problem that all lawyers face every day—the defense’s attempts to prevent you from discovering the evidence you’re entitled to.   Because we face it daily, many of us have come to expect it and even accept it.  Some of us may not even realize it’s happening to us.  This seminar will provide you with the legal and ethical information you need to defeat the obstruction, and get the evidence you’re entitled to so you can prove make your case.  We will have the honor and benefit of Judges Paul Ridgeway, A. Graham Shirley and Allen Baddour joining us to share their wisdom on how to address these issues as well.  Please join us to add more tools to your trial toolbox.  

Topics & Speakers 

8:55 a.m. | Welcome & Introductions

• Carma Henson, HensonFuerst, PA, Raleigh

9 a.m. | Recognize and Respond to Obstructive Discovery Tactics - Rule 26(g) and Ethical Obligations in Serving and Responding to Discovery

• Carma Henson, HensonFuerst, PA, Raleigh

10: a.m. | Successfully Prepare for and Argue Motions to Compel/Sanctions

• Elizabeth Todd, Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, Durham

 11 a.m. | Break

 11:15 a.m. | Discovery Obstruction/Motions to Compel/Sanctions (panel discussion)

• The Honorable A. Graham Shirley, Resident Superior Court Judge, Raleigh 

• The Honorable Paul Ridgeway, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, Raleigh 

• The Honorable Allen Baddour, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, Pittsboro

12:15 p.m. | Lunch 

1:15 p.m. | Using Motions in Limine to Flush Out and Effectively Deal with Evidentiary Issues 

• Karonnie Truzy, Crumley Roberts, Greensboro 

2:15 p.m. | Preservation of Evidence/Spoliation

• Ann Ochsner, Whitley Law Firm, Raleigh  

3:15 p.m. | Break

3:30 p.m. | Creating Exhibits During Defense Depositions, and the Use of Visual Aids for Mediation and Trial 

• Joe Tunstall, O'Malley Tunstall, PLLC, Tarboro 

4:30 p.m. | Adjourn

Thanks to Our Sponsor

Settlement Planning Services LLC 

With 27 years of litigation and settlement planning experience, Tacker LeCarpentier started SPS in order to provide comprehensive settlement planning services to injury victims, their families and attorneys. At no charge to your clients, we offer life care planning cost analysis, governmental benefits assessments, mediation attendance, as well as appearances at all settlement hearings. Settlement planning solutions include structured settlements, Special Needs Trusts, Medicare Set-Aside Accounts, Family Security and Settlement Preservation Trusts, and assistance with lien resolution. Contact Tacker at 919-247-9070 or [email protected].