36th Annual Institute of Trial Practice (ABOTA) 2026

  • In-person seminar
  • Webcast seminar
  • Civil Litigation Law
Up to 10.0 Credit Hours
View schedule and faculty
36th Ann Institute of Trial Practice (ABOTA) 2026

Co-produced with Wisconsin Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

Watch, question, learn
Take a seat in the courtroom at the 36th Annual Institute of Trial Practice (ABOTA). Watch experienced Wisconsin trial lawyers present a case before 2026 Trial Judge of the Year, Hon. Stephen E. Ehlke. As the trial unfolds, the lawyers will explain their strategy and tactics in opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments, while Judge Ehlke breaks down their actions and the reasoning behind his rulings.

8:00 am
Introductory Remarks

Michael P. Crooks, Amy F. Scholl

8:05 am
Seat Jury/Remarks from Judge

Hon. Stephen E. Ehlke

8:10 am
Opening Statements

Plaintiff: Dana J. Wachs
Defense: Christopher P. Riordan

8:50 am
Examination of Plaintiff – Julie Stahl

Direct Exam: Shawn R. Crain
Cross Exam: Patricia Epstein Putney

9:50 am
Panel Discussion

Michael P. Crooks, Paul D. Curtis, Jeffrey A. Pitman

10:05 am
Break

10:20 am
Plaintiff Examination - Dr. Sydney Peters, Chiropractor

Direct Exam: Andrea Goode
Cross Exam: Clayton L. Riddle

11:10 am
Plaintiff Examination - Dr. Heather Stanko, Neurologist

Direct Exam: Gregory A. Pitts
Cross Exam: Patrick F. Sullivan

12:00 pm
Panel Discussion

Michael P. Crooks, Paul D. Curtis, Jeffrey A. Pitman

12:15 pm
Lunch (on your own)

1:15 pm
Defense Examination – Carleigh DeLain

Direct Exam: Amanda J. Kaiser
Cross Exam: Michael R. Fox

1:45 pm
Defense Examination – Shawn Mason, Reconstruction Engineer

Direct Exam: Amanda J. Kaiser
Cross Exam: Thadd J. Llaurado

2:35 pm
Panel Discussion

Michael P. Crooks, Rick E. Hills, Molly C. Lavin

2:50 pm
Break

3:05 pm
Defense Examination – Dr. Joseph Burgarino

Direct Exam: Patrick F. Sullivan
Cross Exam: Gregory A. Pitts

 

3:55 pm
Instruct Jury

4:05 pm
Closing Arguments

Plaintiff: Dana J. Wachs
Defense: Jay R. Starrett

4:45 pm
Panel Discussion

5:00 pm
Jury Deliberation

5:40 pm
Verdict/Panel Discussion/Questions to Jury

6:00 pm
Program Concludes

Planning Committee

Amy M. Risseeuw, Chair
Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C. · Appleton
Edward J. Vopal, Chair
Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. · Green Bay
Kara M. Burgos
Moen Sheehan Meyer Ltd · La Crosse
Timothy M. Johnson
Great American Insurance Company · Milwaukee
Steven L. Nelson
von Briesen & Roper, S.C. · Milwaukee

Moderator

Michael P. Crooks
von Briesen & Roper S.C. · Madison

Presiding Judge

Hon. Stephen E. Ehlke
Dane County Circuit Court · Madison

ABOTA President

Amy F. Scholl
Coyne Schultz Becker & Bauer S.C. · Madison

Panelists

Paul D. Curtis, Morning
Axley LLP · Madison
Jeffrey A. Pitman, Morning
Pitman Kalkoff Sicula & Dentice S.C. · Milwaukee
Rick E. Hills, Afternoon
Hills Legal Group Ltd · Waukesha
Molly C. Lavin, Afternoon
Molly C. Lavin, Afternoon Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. · Waukesha

For the Plaintiff

Dana J. Wachs – Plaintiff Captain
Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs LLP · Eau Claire
Shawn R. Crain
End, Hierseman & Crain LLC · Milwaukee
Andrea Goode
Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. · Sheboygan
Michael R. Fox
Fox & Fox S.C. · Monona
Thadd J. Llaurado
Murphy & Prachthauser S.C. · Waukesha
Gregory A. Pitts
Schoone Leuck Kelley Pitts & Pitts S.C. · Racine

For the Defense

Patrick F. Sullivan, Defense Captain
Gordon Rees Scully Manuskhani LLP · Chicago, IL
Patricia Epstein Putney
Putney Bell Moore & Richter S.C. · Madison
Amanda J. Kaiser
Boardman & Clark LLP · Madison
Clayton L. Riddle
von Briesen & Roper S.C. · Milwaukee
Christopher P. Riordan
Otjen Law Firm S.C. · Waukesha
Jay R. Starrett
Scopelitis Garvin Light Hanson & Feary P.C. · Milwaukee

Sponsored by

Interested in sponsoring this program? Find out more.

  • Learn from experienced Wisconsin trial lawyers as they demonstrate courtroom strategies and advocacy techniques in real time
  • Master the strategies behind persuasive opening statements, effective witness examinations, and compelling closing arguments
  • Hear insider judicial commentary as the judge explains his reasoning behind key rulings
  • Observe the decision-making process with an exclusive look at jury deliberations
  • Leave with practical trial techniques and insights you can apply directly in your own cases.
  • Earn 10.0 CLE credits in just one day!
  • Civil litigators  
  • Torts attorneys
  • Personal injury litigators          
  • Criminal litigators
  • Insurance attorneys

The Wisconsin ABOTA Chapter is sanctioned by the American Board of Trial Advocates, a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to protecting the right to a civil jury trial established by the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA member attorneys must be nominated and approved by active ABOTA members, achieve specific levels of law practice and trial experience, and meet the high standards established by the organization. 

The Wisconsin ABOTA Chapter members present and co-produce this seminar. Their commitment of time, talent, and energy in service to the State Bar of Wisconsin is deeply appreciated.

In September of 2019, two vehicles were leaving the parking lot of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC).  The back portion of the vehicles collided.  The plaintiff, age 59, suffered from post-concussion syndrome after the collision and was unable to return to her job in advertising and sales.  The witnesses include the plaintiff, the defendant, a treating chiropractor, a treating neurologist and a defense reconstructionist/engineer.  The jury will be asked to evaluate liability and damages.

Wisconsin Trial Practice 
Save 25% on the Wisconsin Trial Practice. Authored by experienced Wisconsin trial lawyers, it’s an invaluable resource for any attorney who enters a courtroom and a must-have for the practicing litigator. Follow a trial step by step, helping you prepare for what comes next in the courtroom, from the first motion to the final verdict. Use discount code CA3991 when you order online or by calling (800) 728-7788.

*Discount applies to both print and digital Books Unbound® editions of this title and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through 12/31/27. For Books Unbound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books Unbound title only and may not be used on the purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.

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