Navigate personal injury cases confidently in federal court. Master the distinct rules, procedures, and expert discovery for successful outcomes.
Join Andrew Smiley for Part 1 of this3-Part Series on how to successfully litigate personal injury cases in Federal Court.
Master the critical Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence, understand the distinct roles and authority of District and Magistrate Judges, and learn the chronological process from commencing the action (including jurisdiction, diversity, and service methods like waiver) through responsive pleadings (like the Rule 7.1 statement) and the mandatory initial conference (Rule 16 & 26(f)).
Explore the nuances of initial disclosures (Rule 26(a)) and standard federal discovery methods, including Interrogatories (Rule 33), Production of Documents (Rule 34), and Notices of Deposition (Rule 30). Gain crucial insight into the structure and cost implications of expert discovery (Rule 26(a)(2)) and effective strategies for resolving discovery disputes efficiently through direct judicial access.
This overview emphasizes the critical importance of strict adherence to federal rules and court-specific rules, managing case schedules effectively, and preparing for pretrial motions (like summary judgment). Discover practical advantages unique to federal court, such as a generally faster case pace, direct access to judges for discovery issues, and the ability to handle related matters like wrongful death and infant compromises.
By the conclusion of this session, you will possess a clear understanding of the federal court landscape and the essential steps involved in confidently litigating personal injury cases within it, setting the stage for deeper dives into specific procedures.
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 Smiley & Smiley LLP
Andrew is the lead trial attorney for Smiley & Smiley, where his practice focuses on significant personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. Andrew is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School. He served as Academy President in 2017–2018 and is also a Past President & Board Member of the New York City Trial Lawyers Alliance. He hosts The Mentor, Esq., a podcast for lawyers.
