McManis Faulkner sponsored and hosted The SCCBA’s Second Annual Civil Trial Institute, a six-hour workshop, spread over two days, for new and not-so-new attorneys to hear from judges and experienced practitioners, and improve their trial skills through hands-on activities. Both nights included a Q&A with the Bench, making the event a great opportunity not only to meet local judges face to face, but also to hear the judges’ points of view on cases that come to trial.
Day 1 covered opening statements, how to move documents into evidence, and how to deal with common documentary issues like hearsay and authentication. Presenters were the Hon. Sunil Kulkarni, Santa Clara County Superior Court, the Hon. Lori Pegg, Santa Clara County Superior Court, the Hon. Evette Pennypacker, Santa Clara County Superior Court, and the Hon. Eric Geffon, Santa Clara County Superior Court. Day 2 covered the examination of an adverse witness, closing statements, and trial tips. Presenters for the second night were the Hon. Frederick Chung, Santa Clara County Superior Court, the Hon. Roberta Hayashi, Santa Clara County Superior Court, and the Hon. Amber Rosen, Santa Clara County Superior Court.