A practical trial-advocacy CLE series for Utah lawyers
What they didn’t
teach you in
law school.
Litigation 101 is a year-long series of practical CLEs on how cases are actually worked up and tried — taught by two Utah trial lawyers, one stage of litigation at a time.
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Get concise, useful guidance on discovery, depositions, evidence, trial strategy, and courtroom advocacy, written by the two Utah trial lawyers who teach Litigation 101.
The 2026–2027 series
Full schedule →Nine sessions following a case from discovery through trial, running October 2026 through May 2027. Each session is delivered live online via Zoom.
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Depositions and Discovery
This session will provide a practical guide to conducting effective discovery in civil litigation, with an emphasis on written discovery, depositions, and strategic case development. Participants will learn how to obtain critical evidence, prepare witnesses, manage discovery disputes, and use discovery tools to strengthen settlement positions and trial preparation. The presentation will focus on practical techniques and common pitfalls encountered in modern litigation practice.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration is open
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Pretrial Strategy
This session will examine how successful trial lawyers develop and execute a comprehensive pretrial strategy from the close of discovery through the eve of trial. Topics will include dispositive motions, witness preparation, exhibit organization, jury instructions, motions in limine, settlement evaluation, and overall trial planning. The emphasis will be on creating an organized framework that maximizes the likelihood of success at trial.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration is open
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Effective Use of Experts at Trial
This presentation will explore the strategic use of expert witnesses throughout litigation, from initial retention through trial testimony. Attendees will discuss selecting appropriate experts, preparing expert reports and disclosures, conducting expert depositions, qualifying experts at trial, and effectively presenting technical evidence to juries. Practical considerations for both presenting and challenging expert testimony will also be addressed.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration is open
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Direct Examination
This session will focus on developing compelling direct examinations that clearly and persuasively present a client’s case. Participants will learn techniques for witness preparation, organizing testimony, introducing exhibits, laying proper evidentiary foundations, and maintaining juror engagement. The presentation will emphasize storytelling while complying with the rules of evidence.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration is open
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Cross-Examination
This presentation will examine the principles and techniques of effective cross-examination. Topics will include strategic preparation, controlling adverse witnesses, impeachment methods, use of prior statements, and knowing when to limit or conclude questioning. Participants will gain practical guidance for conducting focused and persuasive cross-examinations that advance their case themes.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration opens later
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Avoiding Legal Malpractice
This session will discuss common sources of malpractice claims against litigators and practical methods for reducing professional liability risk. Topics will include client communication, calendaring, conflicts of interest, documentation, engagement and withdrawal practices, supervision, and maintaining appropriate office procedures. The presentation will emphasize proactive risk management throughout the representation.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration opens later
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Opening Statements and Closing Arguments
This presentation will examine effective advocacy at the beginning and end of trial. Participants will learn techniques for crafting persuasive opening statements, developing consistent case themes, presenting compelling closing arguments, and effectively connecting the evidence to the governing law. Practical examples will illustrate methods for improving jury comprehension and persuasion.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration opens later
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Ethics for Trial Attorneys
This ethics presentation will review the professional responsibilities that arise during litigation and trial practice. Topics will include duties of candor to the tribunal, communications with represented parties, discovery obligations, witness preparation, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and other ethical considerations commonly encountered by trial lawyers. The session is designed to satisfy ethics CLE requirements while providing practical guidance for everyday practice.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration is open
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Civility for Trial Attorneys
This presentation will examine the role of professionalism and civility in effective advocacy and the administration of justice. Participants will discuss practical strategies for maintaining professional relationships with opposing counsel, clients, courts, witnesses, and jurors while zealously representing their clients. The session will emphasize how civility promotes more efficient litigation, enhances credibility, and improves outcomes for both attorneys and clients.
Live online via Zoom 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Mountain Time Registration is open
Fundamentals, taught by people who try cases
The “101” in the name isn’t about being basic — it’s about the things every litigator is expected to know and almost nobody is formally taught: how to take a deposition that matters, write discovery that gets answered, evaluate a case honestly, and stand up in a courtroom prepared.
Nine sessions across the October 2026 through May 2027 series, one hour each, following a case through its life — from intake and pleadings through discovery, motions, and trial.
About the seriesYour presenters
Gabriel White — Utah trial attorney and founder of The Legal Beagle, with plaintiff-side personal injury and civil litigation experience, jury trials included.
Patrick Burt — Utah litigator and co-presenter of the series.
Meet the speakers →