Upcoming Wayne County Training

Erin Van Campen will provide an overview of the common legal issues related to lay witness, including witness lists, the prosecution’s obligation to call endorsed witnesses, hearsay and Confrontation issues related to unavailable witnesses, the authorities allowing you to impeach witnesses, and the rules that apply when a witness asserts privileges. Erin will also share tips and best practices for approaching and interviewing witnesses.

Register HERE.

Many defenders are taught the for-cause method of jury selection at an early point, and know that the primary goal of voir dire should be to identify and remove legally impaired jurors. What many are never taught, however, is the “why” of this method. This presentation will give attendees an overview of the psychology at the root of the for-cause method. Attendees will become more secure in their jury selection approach, develop voir dire techniques that better incorporate basic psychology principles, and will be better equipped to confidently train new defenders in best jury selection practices.

Defense team members may register here (If you prosecute in any capacity, do not register).

Please join this comprehensive webinar on preliminary examinations including the rules about exams, cases you want to be aware of, skills you should sharpen for exams, and strategy considerations.

Defense team members may register HERE.

In this training, Kristin LaVoy will provide the very basics of cross examination and impeachment. This is geared to new attorneys and interns, but all are welcome. Participation is strongly encouraged.

Register HERE

This will be our first in person skills workshop of the year. Registration is required and space is limited. To register simply email Kristin LaVoy (Klavoy@waynecountymi.gov) to save your spot. 

This workshop covers the basics of making objections. You will be provided the rules and procedures about objections and then will be given an opportunity to make on your feet objections in real time using several hypos.

To receive skills credit you must stay for the entire training and participate in the exercises. Participants will receive 1.5 hours of CLE upon completion (While these are “skills” hours, these hours can also be applied towards annual requirements for both MIDC and Wayne County.)

This presentation will walk participants through the pedagogy of effective closing arguments in criminal cases. We will discuss how the theory of the case, story/narrative construction, and emotional connection interplay to craft effective and persuasive closing arguments.

Defense team members may register Here

In this training, Kristin LaVoy will cover the basics of admitting evidence into trial. What is required for admission? What hurdles might you face? This seminar is geared at newer attorneys, but all are welcome. (Not recommended for those that have already done the skills workshop as you may find this repetitive.)

Register here

Save the date for a full day workshop on Eye Witness Identification Cases. More information to come but this workshop will provide you with the law and relevant rules on ID cases. Participants will then use a mock problem to fact bust an eyewitness ID case, draft appropriate voir dire questions, brainstorm chapters for cross, and more!

Registration will be required and is limited. To register, please email klavoy@waynecountymi.gov to register. In your email, please confirm you do not prosecute for any governmental entity.

Save the date for our annual case law update