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. David A. Hansher
Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Milwaukee
Panelists
Merrick R. Domnitz
Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.
Milwaukee
Terry E. Johnson
von Briesen & Roper, S.C.
Milwaukee
Thadd J. Llaurado
Murphy & Prachthauser, S.C.
Milwaukee
James S. Naugler
Moen Sheehan Meyer Ltd
La Crosse
For the Plaintiff
Christine Bremer Muggli
Bremer & Trollop, S.C.
Wausau
Steven T. Caya
Nowlan & Mouat LLP
Janesville
Kelly L. Centofanti – Team Captain
Centofanti Law, S.C.
Mequon
J. Michael End
End, Hierseman & Crain LLC
Milwaukee
James R. Jansen
Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.
Madison
James A. Pitts
Schoone, Leuck, Kelley, Pitts & Pitts, S.C.
Racine
For the Defense
Ross A. Anderson
Husch Blackwell LLP
Milwaukee
Donald H. Carlson
Crivello Carlson, S.C.
Milwaukee
Claude J. Covelli
Boardman & Clark LLP
Madison
Ann C. Emmerich
Bell Moore & Richter, S.C.
Madison
Paul R. Erickson
Gutglass Erickson Larson & Schneider, S.C.
Milwaukee
Michael P. Malone - Team Captain
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Milwaukee
J. Drew Ryberg
Ryberg Law Firm, S.C.
Eau Claire
Arthur P. Simpson
Simpson & Deardorff, S.C.
Milwaukee
Frederick J. Strampe
Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen, S.C.
Milwaukee
Todd M. Weir
Otjen Law Firm, S.C.
Waukesha
W. Patrick Sullivan
Siesennop & Sullivan LLP
Milwaukee
7:30 a.m. : Registration
8:00 a.m. : Introductory Remarks by President of ABOTA
Emile H. Banks, Jr.
8:05 a.m. : Seat Jury/Remarks From Judge
Hon. David A. Hansher
8:10 a.m. : Opening Statements
Plaintiff: Kelly L. Centofanti
Defense: Michael P. Malone
Defense Coverage: Frederick J. Strampe
8:50 a.m. : Direct Examination of Plaintiff
Direct Exam: J. Michael End
Cross Exam: Ann C. Emmerich
Cross Coverage: Ross A. Anderson
9:45 a.m. : Panel Discussion
10:00 a.m. : Break
10:15 a.m. : Direct Examination of Defendant
Adverse Exam: Christine Bremer Muggli
Direct Exam: Paul R. Erickson
Cross Coverage: Frederick J. Strampe
11:05 a.m. : Direct Examination of Police Officer
Direct Exam: Steven T. Caya
Cross Exam: J. Drew Ryberg
11:25 a.m. : Direct Examination of Doctor
Direct Exam: Kelly L. Centofanti
Cross Exam: Michael P. Malone
11:55 a.m. : Panel Discussion
12:10 p.m. : Lunch (on your own)
1:10 p.m. : Direct Examination of Witness
Direct Exam: W. Patrick Sullivan
Cross Exam: James A. Pitts
Coverage Exam: Donald H. Carlson
2:00 p.m. : Direct Examination of Witness
Direct Exam: Claude J. Covelli
Cross Exam: James R. Jansen
Coverage Exam: Donald H. Carlson
2:50 p.m. : Panel Discussion
3:05 p.m. : Break
3:20 p.m. : Instruct Jury
3:35 p.m. : Closing Arguments
Plaintiff: Steven T. Caya
Defense: Todd M. Weir
Coverage: Arthur P. Simpson
4:30 p.m. : Panel Discussion
4:45 p.m. : Jury Deliberation
5:45 p.m. : Verdict/Panel Discussion/Questions to Jury
5:55 p.m. : Program Concludes
Following program start time, webcast replay schedules will vary slightly from above listed times.
“Best seminar I have attended in 30 years. Dream team of Wisconsin personal injury lawyers. Legends and superstars. Thanks to all of them.”
“One of the best PINNACLE seminars ever. Captivating as well as educational.”
“The ABOTA seminar is always one I look forward to. The jury deliberations are one of the best elements.”
- Receive valuable tools, insights, and methods for going to trial
- Learn the impacts of certain trial strategies
- Gain insight into a juror’s perspective by observing deliberations and post-verdict interviews
- Look at how the process differs when multiple defendants are involved
- Civil & criminal litigators
- Personal injury litigators
- Tort lawyers
- Insurance law practitioners
Book Sale – Save 20%
Wisconsin Trial Practice
Save 20% on Wisconsin Trial Practice. Plus, all seminar attendees receive a free two-week trial of the Books UnBound® version.* Prepare for every stage of trial with step-by-step guidance on practices and procedures.
Use discount code CA2929 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 as long as CLE credit is available for this program. For Books UnBound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books UnBound title only and may not be used on purchase of full library.
A man gets together with a woman and several friends to watch a basketball game. During this time, the group consumes illegal drugs. The man and woman leave the party to sleep over at her mother’s townhouse. Later that night, the woman notices the man is having trouble breathing. She calls 911 several hours later, but the man is pronounced dead at the hospital. On behalf of his estate, the man’s parents are suing the woman for negligence and wrongful death.
The parties are disputing whether the woman’s actions were volitional or not, further determining whether the insurance company will classify the death as an “occurrence” and provide coverage under the condominium unit owner’s policy. The jury will be asked to assign liability.
Key legal issues:
- Duty of co-drug users to render help when an overdose occurs
- Duty of a homeowner when a person overdoses in their home
- Admissibility of expert opinion that the deceased would have lived if there had been appropriate and timely medical treatment
- Insurance coverage when a person overdoses and dies
The Wisconsin ABOTA Chapter is sanctioned by the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is committed to improving the quality of legal representation, promoting the art of advocacy, and efficiently administrating justice. 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 10 jury trials to conclusion over the course of their careers.
Volunteer members of the Wisconsin ABOTA Chapter present this seminar. Their commitment of time, talent, and energy in service to the Bar is deeply appreciated.