Firm News

Seven Attorneys Graduate from Smith Freed Eberhard’s Black Belt Trial Advocacy Training Program

Seven Attorneys Graduate from Smith Freed Eberhard’s Black Belt Trial Advocacy Training Program

Smith Freed Eberhard is pleased to announce the graduation of seven attorneys from the firm’s Black Belt Trial Advocacy Training Program: Sean Conner, Chelsea Glynn, Tyler Howell, Gordon Klug, Stephan Sherman, Edward Wallace, and Jessica Wilcox.

AwardsCeremony7-26-16-2

The Black Belt Trial Advocacy Training Program was developed by the firm in order to give its attorneys access to trial skills, experiences, and coaching from some of the top trial lawyers in the state. In today’s legal environment, settlement, mediation, and arbitration have become commonplace. Litigators who wish to become battle tested trial lawyers have limited opportunities to develop and test their trial skills. The Black Belt program seeks to fill that gap by equipping attorneys with the tools they need for success. It teaches them how to effectively communicate, hones their presentation techniques, and helps them to develop relatable trial themes.

The rigorous training process is more than just filling out an application and sitting through a couple lectures. Training classes commence after the workday ends, and homework is a part of the learning experience. The program is based on Herbert J. Stern’s “Trying Cases to Win Trial Advocacy Series” and incorporates a mixture of team meetings, communication workshops, and presentations in front of a mock jury. Participants are then critiqued by a review panel of experienced trial lawyers and communication experts who provide recommendations and advice on how to improve their case and courtroom performance.

Recent Posts
  • SFE at 2023 West Coast Casualty Smith Freed Eberhard's Construction Defect team enjoyed attending West Coast…
  • Veronica Wells Promoted to Senior Associate Attorney Please join us in congratulating Veronica Wells on being named…
  • SFE at 2023 PLRB Claims Conference We had a wonderful week of networking at the PLRB…
Read More
Firm News SFE at 2023 West Coast Casualty Tuesday May 23, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News Veronica Wells Promoted to Senior Associate Attorney Friday May 19, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News SFE at 2023 PLRB Claims Conference Thursday March 30, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News Joy Lee Promoted to Partner Wednesday March 29, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News SFE Congratulates Bill Taaffe as Managing Partner Thursday March 9, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News Meet John Barton, Our Newest Senior Associate Attorney at Smith Freed Eberhard Friday March 3, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News 2023 SFE Fun February Friday February 24, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News SFE Charity 2022 Wrap Up Thursday February 2, 2023 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News SFE Portland Holiday Party 2022 Friday December 9, 2022 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News SFE at Oregon CPCU Society Chapter Annual I-Day 2022 Tuesday November 8, 2022 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News Meet Our Newest Associate Attorneys at Smith Freed Eberhard Tuesday November 8, 2022 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News Meet Our Newest Associate Attorneys at Smith Freed Eberhard Thursday November 3, 2022 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News 2022 SFE October Fun Fridays Monday October 31, 2022 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News Meet Our Newest Associate Attorneys at Smith Freed Eberhard Thursday October 27, 2022 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News 2022 SFE Seattle Office Unveiling Party Tuesday September 27, 2022 By: Firm Authorship
Firm News SFE Attorney Retreat 2022 Monday August 29, 2022 By: Firm Authorship