DRAFT SCHEDULE OF CURRICULUM FOR TRAINING
Day One
8:30 a.m. Check-in and walk in registration, distribution of course materials (likely electronically in advance), coffee and pastries.
8:45 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
The Basics of Getting Started
- Opening the file
- 9 am – 9:30 am
- Amber Bighorse, Bighorse & Associates, PLLC, Tacoma, WA
o The initial client interview and determination of whether to accept the case and client; identification and discussion of the issues, goals and strategies; fee agreements.
- Obtaining information and documents
- 9:30 am – 10:00 am
o Requests and checklists for the client, discovery from the other party, requesting information from other entities.
- Finding Resources and Experts on a Budget
- 10:00 – 10:30 am
o Tips and best practices for finding the information you need to support the case and when you might need to consider hiring an expert
- Break
- 10:30 – 10:45 am
- Small town/rural practice considerations
- 10:45 am – 11:15 am
The Basics of Presenting Your Case
- Preparing to Present for a Settlement Conference
- 11:15 am – 11:45 am
o Preparing and presenting the pleadings and other materials; preparing the client.
- Preparing to Present for a Child Support Hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings
- 11:45 am – 12: 15 pm
- Administrative Law Judge Susan Dumph and Lead Administrative Law Judge Daryl Dumph, Office of Administrative Hearings, Child and Family Division
o Preparing and presenting the pleadings and other materials; preparing the client and witnesses.
- Lunch on your own
- 12:15 – 1:30 pm
- Preparing to Present Motions and Preparing for Trial
- Christopher Torrone
- 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm
o Preparing and presenting the pleadings and other materials; preparing the client and witnesses.
The Basics of Motions Practice
- Preparing Declarations
- 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Amber Bighorse, Bighorse & Associates, PLLC, Tacoma, WA
o A critical part of advocacy is the witness statements submitted in declaration form. This session will include discussion of the technical requirements for valid sworn statements and drafting tips
- Do’s and Don’ts
- 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
o The do’s and don’ts of effective presentation and argument of a motion.
- Break
- 3:15 pm – 3:30 pm
- Preserving the Record
- 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
o Things to consider…
- Professionalism and Mentorship (Ethics)
- 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
o Rules of professional conduct, courtroom conduct and demeanor, communication with opposing counsel and parties. The importance of maintaining a network of professional relationships and/or mentors.
- Small Group Meetings to Prep for Mock Hearings
- 4:45 pm – 5:15 pm
o Participants will break up into groups and assigned roles for the following day’s mock hearing exercises. Experienced family law practitioners will assist with preparation.
- Adjourn for day at 5:15 pm
- Reception at hotel at 5:30 pm
Day Two
- 9:00 a.m. Small Group Assembly and Final Preparation for Mock Hearings
- 9:30 a.m. Mock Hearing Exercises and Critiques:
- 12:15 p.m. Conclusion and Program Wrap-Up
o Commentary and feedback on the mock hearing exercises.
- 1:00 p.m. Complete Evaluation Forms and Adjourn