Litigation Specialty Group Meeting-Civil Trials for Paralegals

Civil Trials for Paralegals

This presentation will address the common issues that arise for paralegals in managing civil  litigation in Multnomah County. Learn the basic process for filing motions with the court (and ensuring a judge is aware of the motion), the best ways to contact the court, and pitfalls to avoid in trial preparation. The entire lifecycle of a trial will be addressed and attendees will walk away with a cheat sheet of court resources. Additionally, there will an opportunity to ask questions of clerks who have collectively handled over 100 trials and worked in the Presiding court, so feel free to bring your questions!

Topics that will be covered

1. Filing Complaint. Note 1 year to trial requirement.
2. Filing Motions. Regular motion, MSJ, statutory time frame, exception for foreclosures.
3. Scheduling Conferences. Types of trials, when you need to contact Presiding in advance and how early to do so.
4. Notifyng the Court of Settlement.
5. Pretrial Motions. Anything other than Motion in Limine needs to be eFiled (address what these could be). Address MiL and courtesy copies for the Judge.
6. Trial. Broken out into prepping exhibits, witness list, jury instructions, exhibit numbering and process, and forms of judgment.
7. Post-Trial Hearings. Cost bills, attorney fees, form of judgment, which judge you go to.
8. Q&A Session