2027 CDLA Trial Academy

Slip and Fall / Scooter Accident

February 25-27, 2027

Practicum organized by:

Adam Goldstein, White and Steele, P.C.

Brendan Rodman, Messner Reeves, LLC

Limited to 18 participants

Applied for 29 hours+ 1 Ethics credit. 

TEACHING FEATURES 

• TYPE OF CASE:  Slip and Fall / Scooter Accident in downtown Denver. 
• LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Suitable for all skill levels 
• LIABILITY ISSUES: Disputed, with competing liability experts. 
• MEDICAL ISSUES: Broken ankle requiring ORIF surgical repair. Future treatment needs are disputed.
• OTHER DAMAGES: Medical specials, pain and suffering, permanent impairment and disfigurement.
• WITNESSES: Plaintiff witnesses (4): Plaintiff; eyewitness, liability expert, medical/damages expert. Defendant witnesses (4): Defendant rep, contractor, liability expert, medical/damages expert
• CASE MATERIALS / TRIAL EXHIBITS: Scene photos, statements/depositions, medical records and expert reports. 
• TEACHING TOOLS: This case provides sufficient materials for all aspects of trial for each side, including theme development, voir dire, opening statements, direct and cross-examination of lay and expert witnesses, objections, and closing arguments with jury instructions.

Cost: $850 Per Participant for a 3-day practicum. 

Includes breakfast, lunch, and a closing-day happy hour

A Three-Day (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) Investment Providing Invaluable Benefits

 A three-day workshop aimed at developing trial practice skills through lectures, practicum exercises, and a mock trial. The Colorado Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy offers this trial advocacy program of exceptional quality at a very reasonable cost in a convenient two-work-day and one-Saturday trial format held locally in Denver. 

This intensive program blends small-group faculty (3:1 student-to-mentor) instruction and demonstration with individual student implementation drills. The two days are devoted to on-point lectures by some of CDLA's most experienced trial attorneys, followed by mentored practicum exercises. This practicum format has proven successful in the development of trial presentation skills in a relatively short period. Some preparation time is also reserved for the end of each day.

The third and final day of Trial Academy consists of the attendees' trial of a slip and fall accident. Trial Academy attendees will be divided into three trial teams: Plaintiff and Defendant. The three mock trials will be presided over by retired judges from JAMS and JAG. Advocacy skills will be honed through the use of facts and exhibits that are helpful and harmful to each party. This year's problem will also afford participants practice in direct and cross-examination of lay and expert witnesses. The trials will be overseen by real former judges and decided by a panel of mock jurors. A moderated debriefing will occur between the judges, the participants, and the mock jurors following the verdict.

Refund and cancellation policy: A registrant for this CDLA event will be entitled to receive a refund in the amount of 50% of the registration fee if the request is received more than 30 days prior to the scheduled start date of this event, or within 14 days prior to the scheduled date if an alternate is available. Thereafter, no refunds will be provided, but the registrant may substitute another person from the same firm to participate in the event.