Program Directors
Mark E. Larson
Gutglass Erickson Larson & Schneider, S.C.
Milwaukee
Steven L. Nelson
von Briesen & Roper, S.C.
Milwaukee
Moderator
Michael P. Crooks
von Briesen & Roper, S.C.
Madison
Presiding Judge
Hon. Scott L. Horne
La Crosse County Circuit Court
La Crosse
Panelists
Emile H. Banks, Jr.
Emile Banks & Associates LLC
Milwaukee
Amy M. Risseeuw
Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.
Appleton
For the Plaintiff
Steven T. Botzau – Team Captain
Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.
Racine
Gregory J. Egan
Egan & Richgels, S.C.
La Crosse
Lynn R. Laufenberg
Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs
Milwaukee
Molly C. Lavin
Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C.
Waukesha
Thadd J. Llaurado
Murphy & Prachthauser, S.C.
Milwaukee
Kevin R. Martin
Martin Law Office, S.C.
Oak Creek
Jeffrey A. Pitman
Pitman, Kalkoff, Sicula & Dentice, S.C.
Milwaukee
For the Defense
Michael L. Johnson – Team Captain
Otjen Law Firm, S.C.
Waukesha
Kara M. Burgos
Moen Sheehan Meyer Ltd
La Crosse
Michael W. Gill
Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik
La Crosse
James S. Naughler
Moen Sheehan Meyer Ltd
La Crosse
Frederick J. Strampe
Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen, S.C.
Milwaukee
Monte E. Weiss
Weiss Law Office
Mequon
8:00 AM Introductory Remarks by ABOTA President Jerome A.
8:05 AM Seat Jury/Remarks from Judge
Hon. Scott L. Horne
8:10 AM Opening Statements
Plaintiff: Steven T. Botzau
Defense: Michael L. Johnson
8:50 AM Examination of Plaintiff
Direct Exam: Kevin R. Martin
Cross Exam: Kara M. Burgos
9:35 AM Examination of Plaintiff
Direct Exam: Kevin R. Martin
Cross Exam: Kara M. Burgos
10:00 AM Panel Discussion
10:15 AM Break
10:30 AM Examination of Witness
Direct Exam: Lynn R. Laufenberg
Cross Exam: Monte E. Weiss
11:00 AM Examination of Witness
Direct Exam: Molly C. Lavin
Cross Exam: Michael L. Johnson
11:45 AM Panel Discussion
12:00 PM Lunch (on your own)
1:00 PM Examination of Plaintiff Expert
Direct Exam: Gregory J. Egan
Cross Exam: Michael W. Gill
1:45 PM Examination of Defendant
Direct Exam: James S. Naughler
Cross Exam: Jeffrey A. Pitman
2:30 PM Examination of Defense Expert
Direct Exam: Michael W. Gill
Cross Exam: Gregory J. Egan
3:30 PM Panel Discussion
3:45 PM Break
4:00 PM Instruct Jury
4:05 PM Closing Arguments
Plaintiff: Thadd J. Llaurado Defense: Frederick J.
4:40 PM Panel Discussion
4:45 PM Jury Deliberation
5:45 PM Verdict/Panel Discussion/Questions to Jury
6:00 PM Program Concludes
- Learn from the best trial lawyers in Wisconsin by seeing them in action
- Know the best tactics for examining and cross-examining witnesses
- Gain insight into the jury’s perspective by observing deliberations and post-verdict interviews
- Hear about strategic decisions made by the litigators and see how the judge handles the proceedings
- Civil litigators
- Tort lawyers
- Personal injury lawyers
- Criminal litigators
- Insurance lawyers
Book Bonus!
Wisconsin Rules of Evidence: A Courtroom Handbook
Save 15% on Wisconsin Rules of Evidence: A Courtroom Handbook.* Find applicable rules of evidence, available commentary on those rules, and relevant case law at your fingertips throughout a trial. Use discount code CA3523 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 12/31/24. For Books UnBound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books UnBound title only and may not be used on purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.
When a forty-year-old collector of vintage outboard motors was on a test run with a motor he’d recently worked on, his boat collided with a boat belonging to a tournament fisherman. As a result of the injuries he sustained from the crash, the outboard motor collector died.
The issues at trial will include the speed and direction of each boat, the lookout of each boater, and whether either boater took evasive action. You’ll hear testimony from Department of Natural Resources investigators and see how they reconstructed the accident. Both sides have retained experts to opine on negligence issues, and the jury will be asked to assess the liability of each boater.
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. To qualify as a member, attorneys must be nominated by another member, achieve at least six years of active experience as a trial lawyer, and have tried at least ten jury trials to conclusion over the course of their careers.
Volunteer members of the Wisconsin ABOTA Chapter present and co-produce this seminar. Their commitment of time, talent, and energy in service to the Bar is deeply appreciated.