LITIGATION SECTION MEETING 3 of 3
Session 3: The Lion's Den: Navigating the Courtroom with Confidence
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The courtroom can be an intense, fast-paced, and unpredictable environment where preparation, confidence, and attention to detail are essential. While attorneys take center stage, litigation paralegals play a critical behind-the-scenes role in keeping the trial organized, supporting counsel, and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
In this engaging, paralegal-led session, experienced litigation paralegals will share practical strategies for navigating the courtroom with confidence, professionalism, and efficiency. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a trial paralegal and learn how to anticipate the needs of the litigation team as the trial unfolds.
The session will explore participating in exhibit conferences, tracking stipulations, objections, and judicial rulings, and assisting counsel during jury selection (voir dire). Attendees will also learn best practices for maintaining courtroom etiquette, tracking admitted exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and ensuring attorneys have the documents and information they need during testimony.
Special emphasis will be placed on the importance of thinking ahead, remaining composed under pressure, and responding quickly to unexpected courtroom developments. Through real-world experiences and practical examples, presenters will demonstrate how skilled paralegals contribute to an organized and effective trial presentation.
Designed by paralegals for paralegals, this session will provide attendees with practical tools, insider perspectives, and the confidence to navigate the courtroom environment, whether they are preparing for their first trial or looking to strengthen their existing litigation skills.
Presented By: E. Penny Gutierrez & Garrison Giali
Penny Gutierrez is a Senior Litigation Trial Paralegal at Walsworth handling insurance defense matters related to bad faith. In addition, Penny teaches Litigation in the paralegal program at UCI Division of Continuing Education. Lastly, Penny is a Executive Board member with the Orange County Paralegal Association. Her current role on the board is the Chief Financial Officer.
Garrison Giali is a Chief Litigation Paralegal at BKLW handling pre-indictment investigation through trial. Garrison supports his trial teams in all aspects of high-stakes litigation in federal courts across the U.S. Garrison volunteers his spare time as the Criminal Section Chair for the Orange County Paralegal Association.
OCPA is a State Bar of California Approved MCLE provider and certifies that this event qualifies for MCLE CREDIT 1.0.
$10.00 for OCPA Members only.
$20.00 for Non-Members.
$5.00 for OCPA Students only
Per OCPA Policy, please pay via Paypal, Debit or Credit Card on the website. Check or cash payments are not accepted.
*Cancellation Policy* - If you need to cancel your registration, please e-mail vptechnology@ocparalegal.org at least 48 hours prior to the event in order to receive credit for a future meeting. No refunds will be issued.
