How you prepare for trial, lead evidence, get the admissions you need, and help the trier of fact understand your theory of the case is critical. Learning the art of examination, developing skills and techniques, and understanding how to integrate them will build your trial confidence and competence. This two-day conference is intended for all litigators, regardless of experience level or practice area focus.
Topics
Keynote Address
Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Court of Appeal of Alberta
The Art of Examination in Chief
Justice Nicholas Devlin, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta
Master the art of examination in chief with guidance from an esteemed member of the judiciary.
In this morning session, you will learn:
- how to change your paradigm on examination, and the relationship between direct and cross-examination
- a concrete method to plan and execute efficient, focused, and effective direct examination
- techniques to smoothly guide your witnesses and maintain control without leading
- how to make your examinations smoother, with a clean narrative flow that fits your case
Witness Preparation and Trial Preparation
Mona Duckett KC
In this afternoon session, participants will dive into discussions regarding:
- the organization and preparation for effective trial advocacy
- the ethics of witness preparation
- tips to achieve the artful direct examination
- ways to incorporate your theme
Pozner on Cross: The Chapter Method
Larry Pozner, Pozner on Cross
Pozner on Cross: The Chapter Method, teaches a structured approach that organizes cross-examination into short, fact-based, story-driven chapters. The method enables lawyers to maintain control of the witness, secure key admissions, and present facts with clarity and precision. Larry will lead a full day of training designed for use under the stresses of trial, and will provide practical tools for writing and delivering effective cross-examinations.
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Conference registration does not include accommodations. Please see the “Hotel” tab for hotel reservations.
Schedule at a Glance
Friday, October 2
Keynote Address
Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Court of Appeal of Alberta
The Art of Examination in Chief (Morning)
Justice Nicholas Devlin, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta
Witness Preparation and Trial Preparation (Afternoon)
Mona Duckett KC
Saturday, October 3
Pozner on Cross: The Chapter Method (Full-Day)
Larry Pozner, Pozner on Cross
Justice Nicholas Devlin, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta
Mona Duckett KC
Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Court of Appeal of Alberta
Larry Pozner, Pozner on Cross
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Justice Nicholas Devlin, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta
Born in Calgary, Justice Devlin was called to the bar in 1996 after graduating from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Law as a gold medalist. Beginning his practice in the litigation department of Torys LLP, Justice Devlin later received his LL.M from the University of Toronto. He served as counsel with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada from 2001-2019. A member of the Nunavut, Ontario, and Alberta bars, Justice Devlin’s practice focused primarily on complex criminal and constitutional trials and appeals. He has taught trial advocacy techniques across Canada, including serving as adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School from 2013-2017. Justice Devlin was appointed a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in 2019.
Mona Duckett KC
After graduating from the U of A Faculty of Law in 1983, Mona practiced criminal defence and related administrative law, including professional disciplinary work. She served as a Bencher with the Law Society of Alberta from 2000 to 2006, finishing her tenure at the Law Society as president. She is a past president of the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. She has served on numerous boards and committees within the legal profession.
Mona presented at continuing legal education programs for lawyers, judges, and police. She was a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta Law School in Advanced Criminal Law, Professional Responsibility and Advocacy. She served for 16 years as a member of the Faculty of the Federation of Canadian Law Societies, National Criminal Law Program. She produced numerous criminal law papers and co-authored the 2010 criminal text, Trial of Sexual Offences, and co-authored the 2022 text, Witness Preparation, Presentation and Assessment, which is being revised for a 2026 2nd edition.
Acting Chief Justice of Alberta Dawn Pentelechuk, Court of Appeal of Alberta
Acting Chief Justice Pentelechuk was admitted to the Alberta bar in 1987 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2007. She was appointed a judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta in 2013. Prior to her practice with Cleall Barristers & Solicitors beginning in 2003, she practised with Schlosser Pentelechuk Wood as well as Duncan & Craig.
Acting Chief Justice Pentelechuk was actively involved as a volunteer for the Edmonton Community Legal Centre (beginning in 2006) as well as an instructor for the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Development, a sessional instructor for the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta, and an instructor for the Alberta Bar Admission Course.
Larry Pozner, Pozner on Cross
Rarely can we say that someone “wrote the book” on a subject. Even more unusual is a book that changed a profession. In this program both are true. Larry Pozner is a leading authority on cross-examination. Pozner’s book Cross Examination: Science and Techniques (soon to be printed in its 4th Ed., Pozner and Dodd) and his seminars Pozner on Cross: the Chapter Method revolutionized our profession’s view of the purposes and methods of modern cross.
Larry Pozner is a lecturer, author, and trial consultant. He has long been recognized in Best Lawyers in America in Criminal Law—both white collar and non-white collar, and in civil “Bet the Company” litigation. He is a Past President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and began his career as a Colorado Public Defender. Pozner was trial counsel for more than a decade for the Denver Broncos franchise and its owner, Pat Bowlen.
Conference attendees who are looking to stay at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge should contact the hotel directly to book their room. The room block is now closed. To inquire about availability of rooms, please call the hotel directly at: (403) 591-7711
Room rates are subject to applicable taxes and fees.
Attendees staying at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge are eligible for a 15% discount off the daily rate at the Nordic Spa. When making your reservation, please use code SAESSM26 to receive the discount.
Program formats and dates are subject to change. Prices are subject to GST. Early bird pricing ends on July 27, 2026.
We anticipate that registration will be open until 12pm on September 28, or until sold out.
Program materials (where applicable) will be provided in an electronic format. LESA typically posts program materials 1-2 business days in advance of the program date.
Program registration does not include hotel accommodations. See accommodations tab for details.
This program will not being recorded and will not be made available as an on-demand program.
Group Discounts
This program provides firms or organizations the opportunity to purchase individual tickets for a group at a discounted rate. See the accordion tab below for more details on how to send multiple people to this program with a group discount.
This program does not offer a firm broadcast option.
Policies
For payment, cancellation, transfer, group discount, and firm broadcast policies, click here.
Supporter sponsorships are SOLD OUT!
Exhibitor sponsorship opportunities are still available for this program. For full details and to purchase a sponsorship, click here.
Gold Sponsor: Dicta Court Reporting
Bronze Sponsors: Eldor-Wal, Roots Reporting, Troy Valuations
