2022 Trainings

Learn more about the presenter, Nicole Castka, HERE

In this seminar, Nicole shares the tools that she has used to thrive 25+ years as a criminal defense attorney. Three important areas are covered in this session:

(1) Setting the intention for your day’s agenda

(2) Breathwork and mindfulness

(3) Why your thoughts and energy matter for your success

This seminar covers the problems with identification, suggestions on how to challenge it, and the use of expert witnesses.

Senior Staff Attorney, Anton Robinson, of the Innocence project and Expert Witness, Dr. Margaret Kovera, presenting.

This  presentation is about defending gang prosecutions and defending cases with gang evidence. A discussion about other acts, gang “experts,” and more.

Learn more about Professor Hayat here.

Meets the required course for Tier 1

Due to technical difficulties, the recording of this seminar is not available. 

Meets the required Tier 1 course for Wayne County.

This seminar covers  other acts evidence. Mr. Helton covered the various ways the prosecution may try to admit other act evidence against our clients at trial, how to keep the evidence out or limit it, and other strategies we can pursue in defending our clients. 

Meets the required course for Tier 2 cases in Wayne County.

This presentation covers cross examination of the state’s expert.

Meets the required course for Tier 1 or Tier 2

Nonverbal communication accounts for a large part of how we communicate, persuade, and connect with other people. Are some gestures and facial expressions universal? Are there cultural differences? Ultimately, the presentation will cover examples of how and when defenders can use knowledge of body language and non verbal communication in their representation of clients, in order to strengthen relationships, establish trust, and to persuade judges and juries.

For those newer to the practice or those that would like a refresher, please join for a session covering the basic rules about jury instructions, lesser included offenses and verdict forms. Which instructions do you get? What can you ask for? Can you ask for alternate offenses? What should the verdict form look like?

This brown bag will provide an overview of the rules and procedures involved in filing and defending interlocutory appeals. This session will also include a discussion of the strategic considerations involved in helping your client decide whether to pursue interlocutory appeals and tips for writing a winning application.

1.0 Hours of CLE

This seminar will provide the basics and strategy tips when litigating cases where the government alleges your client made a statement.

Steven Fishman gives trial tips including discussions on theory and more.

Please join for a beginner’s guide to pretrial motions. This seminar will cover basic motions you should look for, tips on issue spotting, and how to constitutionalize your objections. Sample motions will be shared along with other resources.

This  presentation exposes investigators of all experience levels to critical thinking concepts and basic analytical tools they can use to objectively evaluate cases to identify logic flaws and additional areas of investigation using a defensible process.

Thomas Lancaster presenting. Mr. Lancaster is the owner of Lancaster Investigations, LLC, a Maryland investigative and intelligence analysis agency specializing in criminal defense investigations. Mr. Lancaster has more than 30 years of military and civilian investigative and forensics experience from various positions in law enforcement and the intelligence community. He also serves as an adjunct criminal justice instructor at the College of Southern Maryland.

This session will examine issues surrounding race and the Fourth Amendment and discuss strategies for criminal defense attorneys to challenge law enforcement practices though courts.  

This brown bag will consist of a discussion on investigative subpoenas and what you should know when defending your clients. 

Our annual Supreme Court and Michigan Update.