Cross-Examination Made Simple (Part 1): The Basics

This presentation will provide you with creative tools for conducting cross-examination. From achieving basic witness control to becoming more in tune with the subtle nuances of space and proximity in the courtroom and how to use these to your advantage, the speaker shares with you some of the lessons that I've learned over the last two decades as a criminal defense attorney. Ironically, some of the things that we as lawyers overlook or only address in passing can be just as important, if not more, than the things that we spend the most time preparing. This presentation will reduce these techniques to simple, easy-to-apply rules that can be referred to before and during trial preparation.

Webinar Oct 28 2025, Tuesday 03:00 PM EDT 120 Minutes Basic Level Code: GRC0000132

  • Courtroom
  • Litigation
  • Storytelling
  • Criminal defense
  • Representing the criminal defendant

Trial lawyers, Criminal defense attorneys, Personal injury attorneys, ADR attorneys

Course objectives:

How does the author differentiate between viewing an adverse witness as an enemy combatant versus a puppy that needs training?
In what ways does the approach to cross-examination described in the document aim to maintain the attorney's credibility with the jury?
Can you explain the significance of storytelling in the context of cross-examination as outlined in the document?
What are the key principles that the author believes should guide an attorney during cross-examination?
How does the author suggest attorneys should handle emotional witnesses during cross-examination?
In what situations does the author believe it may be appropriate to ask open-ended questions during cross-examination?
What techniques does the author propose for maintaining control over a witness during cross-examination?
How does the author advise attorneys to select specific factual goals when conducting cross-examination?
Can you describe the importance of primacy and recency in structuring cross-examination questions?
What role does patience play in effective cross-examination, according to the author?
How does the author suggest attorneys should prepare for the potential harm that could arise from a witness's damaging testimony?
What strategies does the document provide for effectively impeaching a witness during cross-examination?
How does the author recommend that attorneys build chapters in their cross-examination to enhance storytelling?
In what ways does the author emphasize the necessity of being jury-centered during cross-examination?
What are the potential consequences of rushing through cross-examination, as highlighted in the document? 

MICHAEL DEBLIS
MICHAEL DEBLIS

Michael is a trial lawyer. He graduated Cum Laude from The Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Summa Cum Laude from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law with his Masters of Law in Taxation. Michael is known for his charismatic personality and his unyielding dedication to his clients. Michael spent the first six years of his legal career as a public defender in the NJ Office of the Public Defender, cutting his teeth on some of the most serious felony cases to pass through the state courts of New Jersey. He then joined his father's law practice, DeBlis Law, expanding the practice into civil tax controversies and international tax compliance. As a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, Michael has trained under some of the best-known criminal defense attorneys in the country. When he's not in the courtroom, you can find Michael on stage. He is a professionally-trained actor who has performed in off-Broadway productions and on-stage at Shakespeare in the Park. Michael's passionate about helping trial lawyers harness the power of persuasion and positive communication in the courtroom in order to connect to the jury on a human level. Michael's training as an actor allows him to combine a unique blend of left-brain thinking with right brain artistry to make even the most dull and abstract areas of the law come to life. Michael is a prolific writer and a frequent lecturer at CLE and CPE programs throughout the country. He has written articles that have been featured in leading tax journals and "Law 360." Michael is a living example of the tremendous power that comes from combining passion, preparation, persuasion, and positive communication in the courtroom. His courage and relentless work ethic have earned him a reputation as a zealous advocate and one of New Jersey’s rising stars of the legal profession.

  • 120 Mins | Nov 18, Tue , 02:30 PM EDT

In this presentation, the speaker covers preparation for cross-examination; the three steps for impeachment that are tri...

MICHAEL DEBLIS By MICHAEL DEBLIS

  • 60 Mins | Jan 01, Thu , 01:00 PM EDT

There are new approaches to behavioural interviewing that are more effective, but interviewers must continue to take car...

MICHAEL DEBLIS By MICHAEL DEBLIS

  • 60 Mins | Jan 01, Thu , 01:00 PM EDT

The unique exposures related to the remote work environment involved wage and hour compliance, disability accommodation,...

MICHAEL DEBLIS By MICHAEL DEBLIS

  • Oct 27, Monday | 01:00 PM EDT | 75 Mins

Tattoos were always associated with sailors, marines, and bikers. Not today. Over the past few decades, there has been r...

  • Oct 27, Monday | 01:00 PM EDT | 60 Mins

This webinar is for you if you ever find yourself in a difficult emotional situation where a cool head is necessary. Th...

  • Oct 27, Monday | 08:12 PM EDT | 90 Mins

Nisi earum est dicta ab perspiciatis expedita sint. Sint voluptatem deserunt autem rerum quia possimus ea asperiores. Fa...

By