Stay at the cutting edge of developments in our industry by gaining the tactical know-how to use legal action as a means of debt collection.

This seminar is designed especially for the young or new attorney, or any attorney looking for a refresher in the nuts and bolts of litigating creditor claims. This intensive 6 hour program will cover the entire lifecycle of a claim, including pleading mechanics, pretrial practice, depositions, trial practice, evidence, examination of witnesses, and defensive concerns, all presented by NARCA’s faculty of experienced trial attorneys.

2017 Summer Litigation Boot CampThe Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law, Columbus, OHJune 23, 2017

Earn your stripes at NARCA’s Litigation Boot Camp!

Are you and your associates prepared for trial?

Register at www.narca.org For questions, please email karen@narca.org or call (202) 861-0706.

A boot camp for new attorneys or a reality check for those experienced.

A full day of knowledge, CLE credits and the know-how to serve your clients.

“NARCA’s Litigation Bootcamp is a fantastic opportunity to up-train Associates on their collection litigation skills. I sent two Associates to NARCA’s first Litigation Boot Camp and they both still talk about how much they learned and how valuable attending was for them.”

Yale LevyLevy & Associates, LLC

President-elect, NARCA

9:00 - 9:10 a.m.Welcome and Introduction

9:10 - 10:10 a.m.Pretrial Practice Nicholas J. Cheek, Cheek Law Offices, LLCGregory D. Delev, Delev & Associates, LLCCrystal M. Duplay, Law Offices of Timothy M. Sullivan

In this session, our presenters will introduce the basics of commencing litigation. Included will be the theories upon which collection litigation can be brought, drafting pleadings that meet legal requirements and the administrative elements of filing suit, including fees, costs and service of process.

10:10 – 11:10 a.m.Initial Litigation EventsMatthew G. Burg, Weltman Weinberg & Reis Co., LPAJoseph M. McCandlish, Weltman Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA

What to expect after filing a complaint? This session will cover the range of possible consumer responses, including informal disputes from pro se consumers, answers, preliminary objections, counterclaims, and associated responses and hearings. Why and what types of discovery might be used and discovery basics will also be discussed.

11:10 – 11:25 a.m.Coffee Break

11:25 a.m. –12:25 p.m. Evidence I – Overview of Evidentiary Concepts Boyd W. Gentry, Law Office of Boyd W. Gentry, LLC

Rules of evidence are critical, even in the relaxed environment of some small claims courts. This introductory session will cover common evidentiary concepts of admissibility, judicial notice, introducing evidence into the record, hearsay and its exceptions, all essential elements to proving claims based on unpaid debt.

12:25 – 1:10 p.m.Break and Lunch Served

1:10 – 2:10pmAvoiding Ethical Minefields: Being Mindful of Where You StepJonathan E. Coughlin, Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter

Collection litigation can generate ethical issues, especially in today’s climate where attorneys can be placed in conflict with their clients by regulatory requirements. How much of a consumer’s personal information can be included in pleadings? What attorney conduct in the course of litigation could lead to allegations of an FDCPA violation? Interactions with pro se debtors and considerations when counterclaims are filed, and more will all be addressed in this session.

2:10 – 3:10 p.m. Evidence II – Introducing Business Records James J. Todd, Gerner & Kearns Co., L.P.A.Michael S. Berkowitz, Keith D. Weiner & Associates Co., L.P.A.

Almost every collection case will rely on business records. It has become common for courts to require complete documentation when litigating a claim. This vital session will include advice on the evidentiary predicate for the admission of business records in both motion practice and trial, especially those originating with remote account holders. The session will also provide effective techniques to help the debt purchaser prevail at trial and at the appellate level.

3:10 – 3:25 p.m.Break

3:25 – 4:25 p.m.Evidence III – Witness ExaminationJames Oh, Javitch Block, LLCKevin T. Hartman, Javitch Block, LLC

The essence of every trial attorney’s practice is the ability to effectively examine live witnesses. This session will cover the who, what, how, when and why’s of witness examination. Direct and cross examination, and use of prior witness statements are core tools that will be covered in this session.

4:25 – 4:30 p.m.Conclusion

An incredible educational value -

only $265 per person for NARCA members or $305

for non-members* Register OnlineVisit www.narca.org and click on the Litigation Boot Camp registration link.

ParkingParking vouchers will be provided at registration for the Union South and Gateway garages. Attendees should keep their parking ticket as they enter the garage and both the ticket and voucher will be required for exiting.

HotelsHere is a list of nearby hotels you may consider:• The Blackwell• Hampton Inn & Suites (OSU area)• Hilton Columbus Downtown• The Westin Columbus

CLE CreditsAll reasonable efforts to seek CLE credit for this program will be made via Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylvania for maximum reciprocity opportunities. In certain instances, some programs may not be awarded CLE credits because of content, jurisdictional or reciprocity restrictions. The Litigation Boot Camp includes a possibility of (6) credits (1 ethics). The amount of credit varies from state to state. All attendees will receive a CLE Attendance Record form they will submit to NARCA at the conference or shortly thereafter.

Financial AssistanceFinancial assistance is available to attend a NARCA Education event. Financial Assistance would relate to the registration fee only. All travel expenses would be the responsibility of the applicant. Applications may be requested from Laura Winn at laura@narca.org. Submissions must include an affirmation by the applicant that sets forth their financial need. Approval will result in a 50% reduction in the registration fee and currently unemployed attorneys may be considered for a full fee waiver.

*Price includes lunch.

Curriculum and Schedule