Law Bulletin Seminars hosted its 9th Annual Symposium with the Judges on November 14, 2018, at the Westin Chicago River North Hotel. Following opening remarks from Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans, the audience of 175 trial attorneys heard from twelve judges in four unique panel discussions throughout the afternoon. Each session was led by a noted trial attorney who elicited judicial guidance and candid commentary on topics that are critical for success at the trial level: case management, settlement conferences, voir dire, jury questionnaires, opening statements, jury instruction conferences, closing arguments and juror questions. Illinois attorneys earned three MCLE credits, and attendees enjoyed the cocktail reception that followed the program.
From the Circuit Court of Cook County, Law Division:
- Hon. Larry G. Axelrood
Trial Section - Hon. Jerry A. Esrig
Commercial Calendar Section - Hon. Kathy M. Flanagan
Supervising Judge, Motion Section - Hon. James P. Flannery, Jr.
Presiding Judge, Law Division - Hon. Kay M. Hanlon
Trial Section - Hon. Edward S. Harmening
Trial Section - Hon. Christopher E. Lawler
Motion Section - Hon. Thomas J. Lipscomb
Trial Section - Hon. Clare Elizabeth McWilliams
Trial Section - Hon. Mary R. Minella
Trial Section - Hon. Marguerite A. Quinn
Trial Section - Hon. Robert E. Senechalle, Jr.
Trial Section
Discussion Leaders:
- Kathryn L. Conway
Power Rogers & Smith, LLP - Sarah F. King
Clifford Law Offices, PC - Antonio M. Romanucci
Romanucci & Blandin, LLC - Timothy S. Tomasik
Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC
Opening Remarks
Hon. Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County
Session 1 – Case Management
Achieving efficiency and expedited discovery
Hon. James P. Flannery, Jr., Presiding Judge, Law Division
Hon. Kathy M. Flanagan, Supervising Judge, Motion Section
Hon. Christopher E. Lawler, Motion Section
Discussion Leader: Sarah F. King, Associate, Clifford Law Offices, PC
Session – 2 Pre-Trial Conferences
Judicial advice for settling prior to jury selection
Hon. Larry G. Axelrood, Trial Section
Hon. Jerry A. Esrig, Commercial Calendar Section
Hon. Edward S. Harmening, Trial Section
Discussion Leader: Timothy S. Tomasik, Founding Partner, Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC
Session 3 – Jury Selection & Communication
The judges help you with voir dire and weigh the cost-benefit of juror questions
Hon. Kay M. Hanlon, Trial Section
Hon. Thomas J. Lipscomb, Trial Section
Hon. Marguerite A. Quinn, Trial Section
Discussion Leader: Kathryn L. Conway, Associate, Power Rogers & Smith, LLP
Session 4 – Trial Presentation
Tips for success through effective opening statements and better closing arguments
Hon. Clare Elizabeth McWilliams, Trial Section
Hon. Mary R. Minella, Trial Section
Hon. Robert E. Senechalle, Jr., Trial Section
Discussion Leader: Antonio M. Romanucci, Founding Partner, Romanucci & Blandin, LLC