Learn powerful strategies for crafting compelling opening statements that resonate with jurors and set the stage for a successful trial.
Join seasoned litigators Ron Gill and Chris Holbrook for this skills training on opening statements. Topics include telling your client's story, presenting your theme, using visual aids, educating the jury, discussing money and any weaknesses in your case, keeping the jury’s attention, and more.
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The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.
Attorney at Law at Fortunato & Fortunato, PLLC
Ronald W. Gill received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University in 1981, where he studied English and Cultural Studies. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1985. There, he was the recipient of the Kottler Scholarship (essay competition) in 1982. In 1996, he began his career as a litigator with the firm of Stark and Paino, LLP. A few years later, he joined the defense litigation firm of Joseph Conklin, LLP, where he honed his skills and became a highly successful litigator, having tried over 30 cases. In 2000, he started his own law firm specializing in general defense litigation and New York State Labor Law-construction accident cases. Within a few years, his success was evident as he became trial counsel to several leading insurance carriers, as well as many large corporations. His clients included, among others, Allstate Insurance Co., Statewide Insurance Company, Royal Sun Alliance, Greyhound Bus Lines, and the Nederlander Corporation. During this time, he also served as Outside Trial Counsel to FORTUNATO & FORTUNATO, PLLC, obtaining several million-dollar-plus verdicts and settlements for our clients. Ronald rejoined Fortunato & Fortunato, PLLC in 2011 as an in-house Trial Counsel, after recently serving as Assistant Attorney General for the District of Columbia, where he defended the District against constitutional law claims. Ronald is licensed to practice law in the State of New York, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia, and is a member of the New York State, District of Columbia, and Massachusetts Bar Associations.
Partner at Schwartzapfel Law
Chris is a partner at the Schwartzapfel Law Firm focusing on negligence cases with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, where he routinely returns multi-million dollar recoveries. He has been named a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, National Trial Lawyers' "Top 100", and he serves on the Academy's Board as Vice President of the 2nd Department.
