2024 MAJ Convention
From Chaos to Clarity

Friday, May 10, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre Hotel 

This is a plaintiff only program.
This program will not be recorded.
Eligible for 5.5 CLE credits in VA and PA.
Click here to view the Convention Agenda.

Welcome Reception

Expand your Convention experience by joining us at the Welcome Reception on Thursday, May 9, from 6 – 8 pm. This is an exclusive opportunity to connect and network with fellow MAJ members, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished speakers. Enjoy great food and drinks, unwind, and mingle before the big day. Attendees can stay overnight at the hotel or return the following morning for a full day of inspiration.

 

Morning Sessions

From Chaos to Clarity: Using Case Framing

Witness the art of Case Framing in action as seasoned attorneys Robert Michael and Ben Rubinowitz unveil the secrets to this methodology and how they each apply this approach to real cases. Attendees will hear real examples of how to take a case from chaos to clarity by strategically pulling out ‘just can’t get over’ issues and applying ‘echoing’ principles to capture juror attention and build a persuasive narrative.  

This interactive and informative session is a unique experience to gain insights through the thought process of two legal masterminds. By the end of this session, attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to effectively use Case Framing to achieve just outcomes for your clients.  

Speakers 

Robert R. Michael 
Shadoan, Michael & Wells, LLP 
Rockville, MD   

 

Ben B. Rubinowitz 
Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf
New York, NY 

 

Framing “Bad” Facts to Hijack the Defense

Every case has a mix of facts that help, hurt, or are neutral to each party.  In this session, Reza Davani will share his secrets for addressing "bad" facts.  In usual fashion, Mr. Davani will provide attendees with step-by-step instructions that outline how you can use a methodology he developed and that is part of his litigation toolbox.  He will first work through his five-step process used to find a home for bad facts.  Next, he will provide examples of a premises case, motor vehicle case, and nursing home case, where he utilized his bad-fact-methodology.  He will then discuss several themes for framing bad facts and theme-testing strategies. 

Mr. Davani began developing this particular methodology in approximately 2018.  It has been lab (focus groups) and community (trials) tested over a dozen times, resulting in its current, refined iteration.  This methodology not only addresses bad facts but measures their impact on your case.  He is excited to share this tool and his studies with you and is confident that adding this to your toolbox will help accelerate your practice.

Speaker

Reza Davani
Ketterer, Browne & Associates, LLC
Bel Air, MD

 

Afternoon Sessions

Revitalizing Justice: The Journey from Remittitur to Redemption

In May 2022, the ChasenBoscolo trial team - John Everett, Kyle Shoemaker, and Katherine Beale - navigated a challenging construction site accident case. The client suffered from connective tissue injuries, underwent a few months of conservative treatment and incurred less than $20,000 in medical bills. When the jury returned a staggering $1,500,000 verdict, the Court was "shocked" and ordered a new trial. Undeterred, the ChasenBoscolo team took the opportunity to correct flaws in the first trial, build a better case, and reframe themes of responsibility and damages. In August 2023, a second jury delivered a verdict of $1,577,000 proving that lightning can indeed strike twice.

Attendees will receive the trial transcripts, which include real-life examples of the various techniques and strategies the ChasenBoscolo trial team utilizes to obtain large verdicts during all stages of the trial. They will also provide sample templates for jury selection, opening statements, direct examination, cross examination, and closing arguments.

Join us for an insightful session as the team delves into their journey, unraveling the complexities they faced, and the creative approaches employed to connect with both juries. Discover how they turned challenges into opportunities and ultimately achieved justice and redemption in the courtroom.

Speakers

Katherine Beale
ChasenBoscolo Injury Lawyers
Greenbelt, MD

John Everett
ChasenBoscolo Injury Lawyers
Greenbelt, MD

Kyle J. Shoemaker
ChasenBoscolo Injury Lawyers
Greenbelt, MD

 

Importance of Storytelling in Trial

This seminar is a masterclass with accomplished plaintiff attorney, Catherine Bertram, and defense attorney, Crystal Deese. Hone your prowess in the art of trial advocacy and master essential skills such as:

• Incorporating the theme and story in a compelling and structured presentation that flows with the order of your witnesses
• Using your voice, tone and body language effectively
• Compassionate compensation solutions for families involving minor children
• Empower jurors to take decisive action
• Addressing challenges with the case
• Having an effective ending
 

Boost your abilities for impactful jury engagement, including:

• The effective use of demonstrative evidence – photos, charts, diagrams, power points
• What emotions does the story bring to or evoke from the jury?
• How do you want the jury to feel?
• If the jury uses logic and feeling to decide, what compels them to follow their heart?
• Can the jury relate to the story?
• Keeping the jury’s attention

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to engage in a candid question and answer session with a plaintiff and defense attorneys.

Speakers

Catherine D. Bertram
Bertram & Murphy
Washington, DC

Crystal S. Deese
Jackson & Campbell
Washington, DC

Bonus Video Session

Case Framing with Mark Mandell - Webinar link to be sent to all Convention registrants 

How do you construct a compelling case that captivates the jury’s attention? Mark Mandell’s Case Framing method offers a universal blueprint for crafting a case that any jury can understand, believe in, and support with their verdict. The core principle is clear: just verdicts result when everything presented at trial is framed and sequenced to focus juror attention on the points you most want to make. As an added bonus, this customized 45-minute webinar will be provided to all Convention registrants at no additional charge. Watch before attending on May 10th for a great introductory primer on Case Framing, then hear from Bob Michael and Ben Rubinowitz live on May 10th on how they have successfully applied this method in their cases.

Speaker

Mark Mandell
Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, LTD
Providence, RI

Convention Moderators

Gwen-Marie Davis
GDH Law

Samuel Pulver
The Yost Legal Group


Megan Whiteside
Whiteside Legal, PLLC

 

Sponsors

Lead Sponsor

Opening Reception Sponsors

Breakfast Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Wi-Fi Sponsor

Charging Station Sponsor

Tote Bags

Seminar Water Bottles

By attending this event in-person, you are certifying that you are abiding by MAJ's Code of Conduct. 

 

This program has been approved for credit in the following jurisdiction(s):

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board

Credit has been approved with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board for 5.50 Professionalism credits.

Virginia MCLE Board, Virginia State Bar

Credit has been approved with the Virginia MCLE Board, Virginia State Bar for 5.50 General credits.

Marriott Owings Mill Metro Centre Hotel

10101 Grand Central Ave.
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 

Materials available with registration:

Special Hotel Rate

MAJ has secured a special group rate of $179 plus tax at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre Hotel for Thursday, May 9, 2024. You must book your hotel room before April 9, 2024 to receive the discount. Please click here to reserve your room. 

Written cancellation on or prior to April 26, 2024 will result in a refund less a $50 fee. After April 26, 2024, registration fees will not be refunded.