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	*HEAR YE !! HEAR YE !! It's time to Renew . .* Application for 2007 Membership Memberships are from January to December of each year! It's never too late to join! ====================== Please note: DCDBA Administrator: joyce.dooley-rodriguez@hklaw.com PLEASE JOIN DCDBA FOR OUR MONTHLY CLE LUNCHEON Wednesday, September 19, 2007 AT THE HYATT REGENCY MIAMI THE DADE COUNTY DEFENSE BAR ASSOCIATION is pleased to present The Honorable Ronald C. Dresnick of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida Presenting: "Professionalism in State Court – Do's and Don'ts" If you are in need of an ethics CLE credit, or just want to have a nice lunch in the company of your colleagues and local judges, then please join us for a lively presentation by the Honorable Ronald C. Dresnick on professionalism as it applies to attorneys practicing in state court. Judge Dresnick will draw on his many years of experience as a litigator and then as a circuit court judge to provide examples or good as well as bad practices in state court litigation, pet peeves of civil jurisdiction judges, and thoughts on how adversaries can improve their working relationships. As usual, the presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. Please make your reservations early to ensure a seat and mark your calendar now. * Buffet lunch with more time to socialize* WHEN: 12:00 noon Wednesday September 19, 2007 WHERE: Hyatt Regency Miami, 400 SE 2 Ave., Miami, FL 33131 Location: Japengo - In Main Lobby to your left as you come in the front door *Self parking is $7 and Valet is $9. Take People Mover if Possible* *One hour General CLE accreditation has been received from the Florida Bar* More than 24 hours in advance: Members: $30.00 Non-Members: $35.00 Less than 24 hours in advance: Members: $35.00 Non-Members: $40.00 *Judges: no charge, but RSVP a must!* Please visit our web site www.dcdba.com NOTE: Reservations are necessary. To reserve your seat, please RSVP preferably by email (or telephone), and send your check to the person shown below. Please note that by contract, we are charged by the Hyatt for your meal if you make a reservation, even if you do not attend. Therefore, if you have made a reservation and cannot attend, please notify us as soon as possible. If you have to cancel less than 24 hours before the event, it will be necessary for us to charge you. So, please find someone to go in your place. Please mail your check, payable to "DCDBA" prior to September 19, if possible. Please RSVP to: Stella de Fex Logan, DCDBA Administrator HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP 701 Brickell Avenue Suite 3000 Miami, FL 33131 Telephone: (305) 789-7598 Facsimile: (305) 789-7799 Email: joyce.dooley-rodriguez@hklaw.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- January 30, 2002: Judge Jon Gordon & Judge Stuart Simon The Current Status of the General Jurisdiction Division and Practice Pointers: Things that help, things that distract, in the presentation of cases. March 14, 2002: JOEL HIRSCHHORN, ESQ. - What to do if or when… How to successfully represent the client, without jeopardizing your ticket. April 11, 2002: JUDGES KING, MORENO & HUCK Open discussion re: District Court Procedural Matters and Professionalism. May 29, 2002: JUDGE PAUL SIEGEL & JUDGE ROBERT SCOLA Open discussion regarding rotation of judges (various other judges in attendance and participation) June 19, 2002: STEVEN SESSLER Working Relationships Between Attorneys and Private Investigators. July 24, 2002: MAGNUS RESEARCH 25 Common Mistakes Attorneys Make in Voir Dire September 25, 2002: ROBERT KAGAN, M.D. Radiology: How to read, understand and use the information that is available from these tests in personal injury cases. October 30, 2002: JUDGE DAVID GERSTEN & JUDGE AMY KARAN Ethics Raw - The Director's Cut. January, 29 2003: JUDGE JENNIFER BAILEY Admissibility of Scientific Evidence March 19, 2003: THE HONORABLE ALEX FERRER Dade County Circuit Court; Presentation: "Closing Argument." April 30, 2003: FORMER JUDGE RODOLOFO SORONDO, JR. Peremptory Challenges....Dead or Alive. PowerPoint Presentation May 28, 2003: Timothy titus, esq. of LexisNexis Dolphin Search Successful Strategies for Electronic Discovery. June 25, 2003: EDWARD G. GUEDES, esq. of Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza Guedes Cole & Boniske, P.A. State Farm to the Rescue - How to Defend Against and Overturn Outrageous Punitive Damages Awards. eguedes@wsh-flalaw.com July 23, 2003: JUDGE ADALBERTO JORDAN, U.S. DISTRICT COURT Taking Risks in Civil Litigation. Litigation is an art – not a science. Good litigators have mastered the art. The key to being a successful litigator involves risks and taking chances. Creative, thoughtful and innovative ideas and approaches often lead to good risk-taking strategies. September 17, 2003: MAGNUS RESEARCH CONSULTANTS, INC. by MELISSA PIGOTT, PH.D. Maximizing Voir Dire was an outstanding, interesting and informative presentation on a topic that impacts all litigation attorneys. This program is designed to provide a Jury Consultant's view of the critical factors which enable the litigator to achieve optimal results during the crucial voir dire phase of a trial. This program discusses effective jury selection techniques and tools, the law on jury selection, and communication issues with the judge and in the courtroom. Dr. Pigott's presentation last year entitled "25 Common Mistakes Attorneys Make in Voir Dire" was an overview of what not to do in voir dire; this program concentrates on what to do in voir dire. October 15, 2003: JUDGE MARIA KORVICK Settlements for Minors and Incompetents which addressed proper procedures for settlements on behalf of minors and incompetents, Florida’s wrongful death statute and its application in probate matters to incompetence procedures and the necessity and importance of closing statements in probate actions and the impact of closing statements on the approval of settlements. November 24, 2003: JUDGE DAVID GERSTEN -"THE APPELLATE PROCESS" which addressed a rather unique perspective on the appellate process and the startling reality of how cases are decided. This is not for the faint of heart as the theory behind this presentation has been banned in all 50 states and in three (3) foreign countries. As controversial as the theory may be, no one has succeeded in challenging Judge Gersten’s rock-solid perspective. “The Appellate Process” has been nominated in five categories including Best Legal Presentation Most Likely to Keep You Awake for at Least an Hour. January 21, 2004: The Honorable Diane Ward of The Miami-Dade County Court, Criminal Division "THE HANDLING OF HIGH PROFILE CASES" Judge Ward addresses the handling of high profile cases and indicates with her power point production, the issues regarding media exposure, confidentiality, gag orders, and other aspects of litigating cases that generate substantial interest from the media and public. (Use the click of your mouse to advance the power point presentation) February 26, 2004: ETHICS & PROFESSIONALISM IN LITIGATION - Ethics Presentation By Third District Court of Appeal Judge David Gersten and Circuit Court Judge Amy Karan: This program will highlight a unique, interactive approach to teaching ethics and professionalism by both an appellate judge, The Honorable David Gersten, and a trial judge, The Honorable Amy Karan. The program will take a total of two hours, and will consist of the following four sessions, which will each last approximately 30 minutes: 1) a lecture on the topics of ethics and professionalism; 2) interactive role playing of various ethics scenarios encountered daily by judges and lawyers; 3) various film clips involving legal ethics scenarios; and 4) breakout sessions in which various groups will discuss and disseminate ethics points of view to the entire audience. (Handout) Ethics Presentation By Andrew S. Berman, Esq., Member of the Florida Bar Professional Ethics Committee *Andrew Berman, a frequent lecturer on ethics issues, will present the following two topics:* Conflicts of Interest (30 minutes) – A review of contemporary recurring conflict of interest issues for trial lawyers. Mr. Berman will explore new changes to the ethics rules proposed by the ABA Ethics 2000 Commission. and The Bar Grievance Process (30 minutes) - A review of the procedural aspects of the bar grievance process, from the filing of a complaint or inquiry, through Supreme Court review. Mr. Berman will discuss important considerations often overlooked in each stage of the process. Presentation On Professionalism By U.S. District Court Judge Jose Martinez Judge Martinez will discuss "Professionalism in Litigation" during the luncheon portion of the program. Topics will include civility in the courtroom, cooperation between lawyers during discovery and litigation, candor to the court and opposing counsel, professional courtesy, reputation of lawyers in the community, and the roles of lawyers and judges in improving the standards of professionalism in the practice of law. This presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. (50 minutes) March 24, 2004: Stuart Simon of DecisionQuest: "The Witness Matrix." The Witness Matrix is a presentation focused upon demonstrating best practice techniques in witness preparation as well as specific examples of videotaped excerpts from both good and bad witnesses and the effect that best practice preparation may have on their testimony. Learn how unprocessed fear, anger or tension can get in the way of a witness effectively getting their message across. This refers to the fear of what might come out during testimony and not simply the fear of testifying in front of an audience. Mr. Simon will demonstrate a system aimed at demystifying the process of testifying and more importantly aimed at allowing the witness to feel comfortable and confident at deposition, during direct testimony and cross examination as well. March 25, 2004 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm Judicial Reception for DCDBA and FDLA Members Only Click here for details No meeting in April of 2004. May 19, 2004: The Honorable Fredricka G. Smith and The Honorable Jennifer D. Bailey - "Tips for the First and Last Days of Trial" These two judges from Miami-Dade County Circuit Court who have considerable experience presiding over civil trials, discussed issues relevant to civil trial attorneys based on their observations from the bench. June 30, 2004: The Honorable Paul Siegel - "Florida Trial Objections" Judge Siegel explained the techniques and theory underlying evidentiary objections, as well as objections to jury selection, opening statement, closing argument, judicial conduct, and more. As a Circuit Court Judge for 13 years, and the author of the authoritative book, “Florida Trial Objections, Civil and Criminal,” Judge Siegel provided valuable insight on the strategic use of objections at trial and the tactics for winning those objections. July 21, 2004: Judge Frederico A. Moreno, Judge Ursula Ungaro-Benages, and Judge Paul C. Huck: Interactive Question and Answer Seminar "Practices and Procedures in U.S. District Court" Drawing upon their years of experience and their unique perspective from the bench, this interactive presentation will offer valuable insights to the practitioners who attend. In what will mostly be an open Question and Answer format, Judges Moreno, Ungaro-Benages, and Huck will provide practical tips on motion practice, hearings, discovery disputes, communications with the court, pretrial procedure, sanctions, and ethical issues unique to federal practice. They will also discuss current issues involving the Local Rules of the Court and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. August 18, 2004: The Honorable Henry Harnage: Illuminating presentation by Judge Harnage on the practice and procedure in civil litigation before Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. Drawing upon his years of experience and his unique perspective from the bench, this interactive presentation will offer valuable insights to the practitioners who attend. In a presentation that will include an open Question and Answer format, Judge Harnage will provide practical tips on motion and pleading practice, hearings, discovery disputes, communications with the court, pretrial procedure, voir dire, motions in limine, openings and closings, as well as professionalism issues relating to state court litigation practice. Judge Harnage will also discuss common pitfalls to avoid in litigation. November 3, 2004: Part I of III Part Series of Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminars: "Mediation Tips From the Masters" - Gerald T. Wetherington (Former Chief Judge - 11th Judicial Circuit) Rodolfo Sorondo, Jr. (Former Judge - Third District Court of Appeal) John Salmon, Irwin Block - See attached materials provided by John Salmon December 1, 2004: Part II of III Part Series of Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminars: "Mediating the Decided Case - Strategies for Effective Client Representation in an Eleventh Circuit Mediation" - Gary Canner, Speaker January 12, 2005 - Part III of III Part Series of Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminars: "Effective Advocacy in Arbitration" - Speakers: Judith Korchin, Arthur England, Richard Daniels and Albert J. Orosa. February 16, 2005 - David R. Williams, Ph.D. - Economist - Dr. Williams, an economist who frequently testifies as an expert witness, discussed the calculation of economic damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases in Florida. In wrongful death cases, he addressed the topics of lost net accumulations to the estate and lost support and services to survivors of the decedent. In injury cases, Dr. Williams explained how to calculate pre- and post-injury earning capacity, as well as how to calculate the economic damages related to future medical expenses from a life care plan. Dr. Williams also addressed the methods of reducing economic damages to present value dollars. Handout March 16, 2005 - The Honorable William C. Turnoff United States Magistrate Judge: "Civil Practice Before a Federal Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Florida" - The Honorable William C. Turnoff, U.S. Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, provided a general overview on the history of United States Magistrate Judges, the character of their service and their jurisdiction. The presentation included discussions on civil practice and procedure. At the conclusion of the presentation, there was a question and answer session. April 13, 2005 - DR. MELISSA PIGOTT, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, MAGNUS RESEARCH CONSULTANTS: "Ethics in Litigation Research" - Dr. Melissa Pigott, Director of Research for Magnus Research Consultants, provides her thoughts about ethical issues as they relate to mock jury research. Because of the variety of skills possessed by those working as "Jury Consultants" and the methodologies employed in the field of jury research, a number of ethical issues become relevant to the decision to hire a consultant. Dr. Pigott will explain how to better understand what you should look for in hiring a consultant to ensure that the needs of your client are addressed with confidence. This includes how to evaluate the qualifications of a consultant and the methodologies recommended by consultants. Hiring the right consultant can provide tremendous benefits to your client. Hiring the wrong consultant, one who is not qualified or who may take shortcuts, ethically and otherwise, can be disastrous. May 18, 2005: The Honorable David Gersten of The Third District Court of Appeal: "ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM FOR THE BAR AND BENCH" - Memorable and entertaining presentation by the Honorable David Gersten, who presented another lecture in his KLF (Keeping Legal Education Fun) series on ethics. Viewing ethics through film scenarios. Like his other presentations, you will be unable to snooze or stop your toes from a-tappin’. June 15, 2005: M. REZA VAGHAR, Ph.D., P.E. Consulting Engineer, BENEDICT ENGINEERING COMPANY"Enhancing Accident Reconstruction with the Latest Technology" - discussion and power point production with new technologies which are bringing advances to the profession of automobile accident reconstruction. In this presentation Dr. Vaghar discussed and demonstrated PC-Crash computer simulation and animation. PC-Crash is a powerful program for the simulation of motor vehicle collisions. July 20, 2005: The Honorable Ellen L. Leesfield - "PROFESSIONALISM: The Winning Edge" and "10 Ways to Irritate Your Judge". This was an interactive lecture on professionalism in litigation, including pointers on how to avoid irritating your Judge. These discussions went beyond the basics and include solutions to situations that interfere with your ability to be "professional." There was also an opportunity to discuss things that judges do that irritate attorneys and possible solutions as well. September 21, 2005: The Honorable Michael A. Genden, Miami Dade Circuit Civil - "Trying Cases: The View From the Bench". This was an interactive discussion on what he sees now when lawyers try cases in front him – the good and the bad – and offered tips on how to prove your case, manage your witnesses, persuade the jury, deal with opposing counsel – and handle the judge. October 19, 2005: Judge Cecilia Altonaga and Judge Paul C. Huck: "Practices and Procedures in U.S. District Court" - This illuminating presentation by Judge Huck and Judge Altonaga, on the practice and procedure of civil litigation before the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, drew upon their years of experience and their unique perspective from the bench. This interactive presentation offered valuable insights to the practitioners who attended. This was an open Question and Answer format wherein Judges Huck and Altonaga provided practical tips on motion practice, hearings, discovery disputes, communications with the court, pretrial procedure, sanctions, and ethical issues unique to federal practice. They will also discussed current issues involving the Local Rules of the Court and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. November 16, 2005: Judge Richard J. Suarez, Third District Court of Appeals. "If I Knew Then What I know Now" - Every lawyer loves to tell and listen to "war stories" – tales of cases that standout in the memory, because the results were unexpectedly good or bad, because the issues faced were unique and challenging, or because the characters encountered left an indelible mark. Usually the telling of a good and meaningful war story is an unexpected bonus of the end of an otherwise more formal CLE presentation. This time, however, the war stories were the presentation. December 13, 2005: The Honorable Jose Martinez, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. "Professionalism in Federal Court – Do's and Don'ts" - Judge Martinez discussed professionalism for the attorney practicing in federal court. "Professionalism" is more than shorthand for "being polite." You've heard judges say it before: "When lawyers go to lunch, they talk about judges; when judges go to lunch, they talk about lawyers." That's just one reason why your ability to satisfy the federal court's standards for professional behavior -- toward parties, attorneys, jurors, court staff and the judges themselves -- directly impacts your effectiveness as an advocate. Judge Martinez will offered practical advice to help make you the best, most effective, most professional attorney you can be. January 18, 2006: The Honorable Gill Freeman, Judge 11th Circuit, Miami-Dade County. " Offers of Judgments and Attorneys Fees " - The Honorable Gill S. Freeman, Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge, lectured on Offers of Judgment: When, Why and Why Not. In cases where the legal fees have become a significant portion of the litigants' exposure – and that's most cases – a statutory offer of judgment or settlement can leverage a favorable outcome, protect your client's interests, and concentrate the mind of your adversary. Florida law makes this powerful tool available to litigators on both sides of a dispute, but do you really know how, when and why to use this technique – or when to avoid it? Judge Freeman addressed some of the pitfalls waiting for defense attorneys who don't master this important litigation tool. February 15, 2006: Dr. Sally Kolitz-Russell and Dr. Brent Russell - "Putting Your Expert Neuropsychologist To Use" March 22, 2006: Judge Alan Schwartz, Former Chief Judge, Third District Court of Appeal - "The Good Old Days" April 19, 2006: Mark Trower - "When to Call the Private Investigator" May 17, 2006: Judge Marc Schumacher, Lyndy Lambert & Dr. Melissa Pigott - "Inside the Jury Room" June 14, 2006: Liz Chifari - "A 21st Century Guide to Legislative History" July 19, 2006: Judge Silverman - "History of the Dade County Courthouse" August, 2006 - No Luncheon September 20, 2006: Dr. David Kushner - "Medical-Legal Aspects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury" October 18, 2006: Stuart Grossman - "I Have Seen The Enemy And It Is Us" November 15, 2006: Judge Juan Ramirez, Jr., Third District Court of Appeal - "Problems and Benefits of the Appellate Courts and Electronic Filing" December 13, 2006: Judge David Gersten, Third District Court of Appeal - "Law: Evolution, Revolution, and Institution" January 17, 2007: Judge Paul C. Huck, Judge Adalberto Jordan, Judge Marcia Cooke "Practices and Procedures in U.S. District Court" February 21, 2007: Judge Gill S. Freeman - "Current Topics for Miami-Dade County Courts: From Pandemic Planning to the New Business Court" March 21, 2007: Sonya Strnad, Esq. - "E-Discovery and the Newly Amended Federal Rules of Civil Procedure" April 18, 2007: Neil Kodsi and Lee Swanger - "How Lawyers Prepare Experts and Experts Prepare Lawyers" May, 2007 - No Luncheon June 20, 2007: Judge Joseph P. Farina - "Current Topics for Miami-Dade County Courts: From Pandemic Planning to the New Business Court" July 18, 2007: Manuel Lasaga, Ph.D. - "Forensic Economics in International Cases" August, 2007 - No Luncheon September 19, 2007 - Judge Ronald C. Dresnick - "Professionalism in State Court – Do's and Don'ts
UPCOMING EVENTS! PLEASE NOTE!! New Florida Bar Guidelines and instructions for CLE Reporting as of July 15, 2005 All luncheons will now be at The Hyatt just over the bridge on Brickell, 400 SE 2 Ave., Miami, FL - Events will take place in the restaurant Japengo located on the main lobby to the left when you walk in the building unless otherwise indicated. Check event boards when you arrive for exact room location. --------------- Upcoming CLE Luncheons in 2007 No Luncheon in August * * * September 19 - Judge Dresnick DCDBA IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY *PRIOR TOPICS*