Skills Academy: Basic Civil Litigation

approved for 6.0 CLE hours (inc. 1.0 ethics hour) 

This CLE is designed to help prepare attorneys by thinking through their cases: from the start with case selection through the logistics of the trial. The topics provide a comprehensive overview of every stage of the litigation process in the state and federal courts of North Carolina. 
The seminar is directed at younger lawyers who are beginning to handle personal injury and wrongful death cases, as well as more seasoned attorneys who are looking for new ideas, strategies, and words of wisdom. We will also receive an update on ethics developments affecting the plaintiff’s civil litigation bar.

Topics & Speakers 

Welcoming Remarks – Program Chair

• Carlos E. Mahoney, Glenn, Mills, Fisher & Mahoney, P.A., Durham

Case Selection – Legal and Factual Investigation

• Lucas T. Baker, Law Offices of L.T. Baker, P.A., Concord

Pleadings and Service of Process

• Lynwood Evans, Ward and Smith, P.A., Greenville
• Xavier Lightfoot, Ward and Smith, P.A., Greenville

Discovery – Strategy, Procedures, and Disputes

• J. David Stradley, White & Stradley, P.L.L.C., Raleigh

Preparing Clients – From the Initial Meeting through Trial

• Ann Ochsner, Whitley Law Firm, Raleigh

Summary Judgment – State and Federal Court Practice

• Cate Edwards, Edwards Kirby, Raleigh

Logistics of Trial – Witnesses, Experts, Technology

• Ann Groninger, Johnson & Groninger, P.L.L.C., Charlotte

Ethics for Civil Litigation Attorneys

• Mark Scruggs, Lawyers Mutual Liability Ins. Co. of N.C., Cary
  • In this presentation, we will discuss the organization of the North Carolina State Bar and the Ethics Committee. We will consider how the State Bar handles ethics inquiries, and we will review recent amendments and proposed amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct. Finally, we will discuss recently adopted formal ethics opinions, proposed formal ethics opinions currently under consideration, and other issues of interest to civil litigation attorneys. 

Adjourn