Whether we are appearing before a trial or appellate court, before the Industrial
Commission or in mediation, communication skills and persuasive abilities are essential to a successful outcome of your case. This year’s seminar will feature lecture and demonstration of various communication strategies and techniques designed to help you persuade your audience.
Leading off this year’s program we are delighted to have communications expert, Brian K. Johnson, discussing Effective Public Speaking. Mr. Johnson is co-author of two books – “The Articulate Advocate: New Techniques of Persuasion for Trial Lawyers” and “The Articulate Attorney: Public Speaking for Corporate Lawyers.” He has been teaching advocacy and persuasion to trial lawyers for over 30 years. His international consulting practice takes him throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as overseas to the United Kingdom and Europe. As a trial consultant, Mr. Johnson has consulted on cases involving computer patent infringement, internet browsers, breast implants, medical devices, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and the airline industry.
Effective use of technology can be key in the courtroom setting. We’ll have sessions demonstrating the use of technology in smaller cases and the use of computer
simulations and re-enactments both teaming experienced trial lawyers and litigation support experts. Framing the issue or theme is an essential step in persuading your factfinder. The morning’s programming, therefore, will conclude with a discussion and demonstration of how the use of mock trial and focus groups will help you get the message right.
On Saturday morning, in addition to practice group breakout sessions, we’ll have our staple and ever popular Recent Decisions of Relevance review followed by an ethics presentation discussing the work of the Innocence Commission. Our effective communications theme will continue with a mock appellate argument re-enactment of a U.S. Supreme Court case.
As usual, this meeting combines the best of professional development, networking
and relaxation. 
Our headquarters hotel is again the Westin Resort on Hilton Head Island which offers a beautiful beachfront, pools, tennis courts, golf, and a myriad of other activities for you and your family to enjoy. Please join other members and guests of the NCADA for our 35th Annual Meeting.
