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Family Law Trials – Bench Trial Basics | May 21

  • 1.  Family Law Trials – Bench Trial Basics | May 21

    Posted 04-11-2025 02:15 PM

    Earn up to 3 CLE credits while learning trial vs. settlement strategies, persuasive opening and closing statements, effective witness preparation, and more. Click here to register or find more information below.

    Family Law Trials – Bench Trial Basics

    Date: May 21, 2025 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

    Location: Online

    Member Price: $99.00

    Non-Member Price: $125.00

    Event Code: I171925

    Areas of Law: Family

    Earn up to 3 credits! (More Information)

    Faculty

    Moderator

    LaDonna M. Cousins, Esq.
    Williams Law Group, LLC, Short Hills

    Presenters

    Hon. Lisa F. Chrystal, PJFP (Ret.)
    Brach Eichler LLC
    Leonard B. Cohen, Esq.
    Dunne, Dunne & Cohen, LLC, Hoboken
    W. Lois Kahagi, Esq.
    W.Lois Kahagi Family Law Services, Iselin
    Sarah O'Connor, Esq.
    O'Connor Family Law, LLC, Scotch Plains
    Harriet E. Raghnal, Esq.
    Law Office of Harriet E. Raghnal, Maplewood

    When it comes to trial, an audience is everything. Join our expert-led program on how to prepare different family law cases for trial. Dive deep into the essentials of bench trial skills and gain the insights needed to present your case with confidence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to refine your bench trial strategy and skills!

    You will learn:

    • Trial vs. settlement
    • Trial briefs:
      - Relevant dates
      - Stipulations
      - Issues settled, previously decided, or withdrawn
      - Unresolved issues
      - Brief statement of the case
      - Legal argument
      - Custody/parenting time
      - Child support
      - Alimony
      - Equitable distribution
      - Counsel fees
    • How to give persuasive opening and closing statements
    • Direct examination
    • Cross examination
    • Witness preparation
    • How to effectively use expert testimony
    • Marking exhibits and moving exhibits into evidence

    CLE Credits
    NJ CLE: NJ CLE information: This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 3 hours of total CLE credit (Full Credits Available: Matrimonial Attorney-General: 3.0, NJ General: 3.0).
    NY CLE: NY Professional Practice Transitional: 3.0
    PA CLE: PA Substantive Credit: 3.0
    New: No PACLE fee is required for this program. To earn PA CLE credits, a valid PA Bar ID number must be entered into the CLE form provided after attending the program.

    Important Information About Our Events, Meetings, and More:
    To secure your spot and receive important updates about our events, meetings, and other gatherings, such as schedule changes, remember to register in advance.

    Digital Materials & Environmental Commitment: As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability, unless otherwise noted, all seminar materials are provided as digital downloads. You can access these materials through:

    • The "My Links" section at the top of our website for in-person or online events
    • Or, for online programs, the event access link included in your joining instructions 

    Cancellation and Refund Policy:
    If you need to cancel your registration and are not transferring to another program or date, please submit a written request to us at least three business days before the event, meeting, or gathering. You will receive a refund minus a $20.00 cancellation fee. No refunds or registration changes will be issued within three business days of the event, meeting, or gathering.

    Stay Informed:
    Registered participants will be notified of any schedule changes. For updates regarding inclement weather, please check your email or visit NJSBA.com.

    Media Consent:
    By participating in our events, meetings, or other gatherings, you agree to be photographed and/or recorded. Additionally, all media content captured during these gatherings will become the property of NJSBA. This content, including your image and name, may be used in our future promotional materials without additional consent or compensation.

    Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy:
    Read our Scholarship & Financial Assistance Policy and submit an Application here: https://njsba.com/njicle/cle-programs/scholarship/



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    Justin Gumpel
    Membership Marketing &
    Engagement Specialist
    New Jersey State Bar Association
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