Pretrial Techniques 2025

  • OnDemand seminar
  • Tort Law
Up to 4.0 Credit Hours
View schedule and faculty
Pretrial Techniques 2025

Go through the motions

Cases are often won or lost well before a jury is seated. A well-timed, well-argued pretrial motion can shift the momentum in your favor and shape the outcome of a case. Pretrial Techniques 2025 gives you an inside look at how experienced litigators use motions to their advantage, especially in personal injury matters.

Motion masters in action

Top trial attorneys from both sides of the aisle will walk you through the purpose and positioning of three key motions. They’ll share the strategy and analysis behind their approach before presenting the motion in a mock courtroom setting, complete with a presiding judge issuing real-time rulings.

8:30 am
Subrogation meets Choice of Law

Carrie L. Devitt, Phillip C. Theesfeld

9:40 am
Motion in Limine to Prohibit Evidence of the Plaintiff’s History of Smoking and Cigarette Use

Danielle M. Schroder, Patricia E. Putney

  • From the plaintiff’s perspective – Keep it out!
    o Not relevant
    o More prejudicial than probative
    o Stigma of smoking and negative perception by jury
    o Role of expert testimony
    o Supportive law for exclusion of the evidence
  • From the defense perspective – Bring it in!
    o Relevant
    o Prejudice does not outweigh probative value
    o Effects of smoking on health in many ways
    o Role of expert testimony
    o Medical literature/learned treatise use
    o Supportive law for admission of the evidence
10:30 am
Break
10:45 am
Motion Ruling & Panel Discussion

All faculty

11:05 am
Motion in Limine to Exclude Plaintiff from Introducing Possibility Testimony

Corey G. Lorenz, Brian D. Anderson

  • Limit plaintiffs testimony to probability testimony
11:55 am
Motion Ruling & Panel Discussion

All faculty

12:15 pm
Program Concludes
9:20 pm
Motion Ruling & Panel Discussion

All faculty

Program Chairs

Kristen S. Scheuerman
Weiss Law Office S.C. · Mequon
Monte E. Weiss
Weiss Law Office S.C. · Mequon

Presiding Judges

Hon. Stephen E. Ehlke
Dane County Circuit Court · Madison
Hon. Gregory B. Gill, Jr.
Wisconsin Court of Appeals District III · Wausau

Presenters

Brian D. Anderson
Everson, Whitney, Everson & Brehm S.C. · Green Bay
Carrie L. Devitt
Clifford & Raihala S.C. · Madison
Corey G. Lorenz
Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. · Madison
Patricia E. Putney
Bell Moore & Richter S.C. · Madison
Danielle M. Schroder
MacGillis Wiemer LLC · Verona
Phillip C. Theesfeld
Weiss Law Office S.C. · Mequon

  • Gain a better understanding of how to use three common pretrial motions in personal injury cases
  • Watch seasoned plaintiff and defense lawyers argue each motion and hear their strategies
  • Get behind-the-scenes insights into judicial reasoning and persuasion
  • Pick up practical tips for strengthening your motion practice
  • Civil litigators
  • Personal injury lawyers
  • Tort lawyers
  • Criminal litigators

Book Bonus!

Wisconsin Civil Procedure Before Trial
Save 15% on Wisconsin Civil Procedure Before Trial.* Organized by the typical sequence of litigation, this resource provides a practical framework to address common issues and enhance your case strategy. Use discount code CA3834 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 12/31/26. 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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