How to Win Your Case with Your Opening Statement (Or Conversely, How Not to Lose It!)  

Friday, May 19, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Pacific via ZOOM

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Earn 1 CA CLE Hour

Meet the Speaker

Hon. Craig D. Karlan (Ret.) 


ADR Services, Inc.

About the Program

Learn to effectively tell your clients’ story and formulate a cogent opening statement that will win over your jury before you call a single witness.  


In Hollywood, we are surrounded by some of the most compelling storytellers in the world. Their techniques for captivating an audience and persuading a listener translate perfectly to the courtroom but are applied far less often than expected. A case can be won with a compelling opening statement; it can also be made far more difficult to win with one that is disjoint and emotionless.


In this program, learn from recently retired LA Superior Court Judge Craig Karlan how to present a successful opening statement. Judge Karlan is not only an experienced trial lawyer and trial judge – having tried countless jury trials as both a lawyer and a judge over the past 32 years – Judge Karlan is also a writer, one who has optioned several pilots. Like a theater audience, the jury needs to feel what your client has gone through to care about your case.

This program is presented by the Litigation section, chaired by Rudy Lehrer and vice chaired by Rachael C. Kogen. Find out more at www.bhba.org.

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CLE CREDIT: This activity has been approved for participatory Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California in the amount shown above and the Beverly Hills Bar Association certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.


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