2007 Seminars

Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly will speak to the issue of voucher processing. She will explain the proper procedures to be followed when submitting a voucher. Timothy A. Dinan will address the complex issue of ethics and maintaining an efficient law practice. He will address issues of competency, diligence, fees, and conflicts of interest.

Michigan Rules of Evidence 702 and 703 together with changes in Michigan case law now make the trial judge the “gatekeeper” regarding the admissibility of expert testimony and expert witnesses. Judge William Giovan will discuss the admissibility standards. This session will help you learn how to admit your expert testimony and challenge the admissibility of your opponent’s.

The Hon. Daniel P. Ryan, Wayne County Circuit Court Judge and international lecturer on evidence will speak on evidentiary issues in criminal sexual conduct cases.

This session is designed to give an overview of the practice of law in the Third Circuit Court – Criminal Division. Learn the basics or consider it a refresher course. Review the practice of criminal law in Wayne County from A to Z.

This session will cover the strategy and tactics of pretrial motions in felony cases. There will be discussion of a wide variety of pre-trial motions, including a number of not-so-common motions. Tactical issues to be discussed include: when to ask for an evidentiary hearing; and how to schedule pretrial motions to enhance the likelihood of success. Also: six reasons to file a pretrial motion even if you are convinced the trial judge will rule against you.

Anne Yantus, Director of SADO’s Special Unit on Pleas & Sentencing, will be joined by a representative of the Wayne County Probation Department in a program designed to provide both a legal update and practical advice. Substantive sentencing law and guidelines will be covered by Ms. Yantus, with local alternatives to incarceration explored by the probation representative.

In their traditional informative and entertaining presentation updating Michigan Supreme and Court of Appeals cases, distinguished Cooley Law School Professors Ronald J. Bretz and James M. Peden bring the “latest and greatest” from the “Supremes” and the “COAs.”

Professor David A. Moran will analyze the decisions of the United States Supreme Court.