Register: online or by mail form Registration deadline is November 28

Cost: Children’s Law Section Members $50; Non-Section Member $60; and Law Student $20

The Children's Law Section invites attorneys that represent parents and children in the juvenile court to attend this exciting trial practice conference. The conference will focus on tips and strategies to address the unique issues that arise in defending child welfare and juvenile delinquency cases. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer input regarding ways to address cases moving through the court system.

Agenda

8:30 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:50 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:00 a.m. Preliminary Hearings & Pretrial Issues
You've been appointed. Do you waive or hold a hearing? How do you challenge removal from the home? What if your client's incarcerated and facing a criminal trial? Should you proceed? What are the best techniques for getting discovery? What discovery is needed? Find out best practice tips for handling and confronting initial hearings in a child welfare case. Presenter: Attorney Tracy Green

10:00 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m. Adjudication & Termination
Learn trial techniques for use in bench, judge, and jury trials. The presenter will cover the differences between an initial request for termination and a post disposition termination proceeding. Experts, direct examination, and cross-examination strategies will be featured. Presenter: Attorney Charles L. Clapp

11:15 a.m. Plea Negotiations & Delinquency Trials
How do you know if the deal being offered is a good one? The presenter will explain when to take a deal and when to reject it. If a trial is imminent, find out techniques to assist with case presentation for best outcomes. Presenter: Attorney Jennifer Pilette

12:15 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. Dispositional Hearings, Review Hearings & Permanency Planning
A great plan can set your client up for success. Learn what to include in a plan and what to avoid so that, you too, can have successful clients. Presenter: Attorney William E. Ladd

2:00 p.m. Break

2:15. p.m. Appeals
The transcripts are available. Find out what to look for before you start writing the appellate brief. Presenter: Attorney Liisa R. Speaker

3:15 p.m. Case Law Update
Presenter: TBA

4:15–4:30 p.m. Closing Remarks