Academics

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Check-in & Dinner: 5:30 pm
Panel Discussion & Live Demo: 6-8 pm 

In person at Touro Law Center, Central Islip, NY

2 Skills NYS CLE Credits available for all participating NY attorneys.

$20 General Admission
Free for Judges and Touro faculty, students, and staff

ABOUT:

“Opening Statements: Understanding the Art of Storytelling” is a skills-based NY State CLE program that brings together experienced trial attorneys and judges for an engaging panel discussion and live demonstrations focused on effective strategies for crafting compelling, persuasive opening statements. Drawing on real-world experience, presenters will address and demonstrate techniques applicable to both civil and criminal proceedings in state and federal courts, including how to structure your narrative, highlight key facts, and avoid common pitfalls.

Following the panel discussion, two live demonstrations focusing on crafting and giving opening statements will be conducted: one on civil proceedings in state and federal courts, and the other focusing on criminal proceedings in state and federal courts. The panelists and the presenters leading each live demo are highly experienced judges and trial attorneys who will specifically address and demonstrate opening statements in the field in which they are experienced.

Through practical insights and a dynamic demonstration, attendees will gain concrete skills to enhance their courtroom advocacy and deliver opening statements that clearly present your theory of the case, connect with jurors, and set the stage for success.

This program offers 2 NYS Skills CLE credits for admitted attorneys and is designed to provide practical, real-world guidance for litigators.

MODERATOR:

The Honorable Andrew A. Crecca
District Administrative Judge, 10th Judicial District, Suffolk County

PRESENTERS:

Mark C. Gann, Esq.
Partner, Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry PLLC

Frederick C. Johs, Esq.
Principal, Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP

Kevin J. Keating, Esq.
Principal, The Law Offices of Kevin J. Keating

Michael Levine, Esq.
Partner, Rappaport, Glass, Levine & Zullo LLP.

The Honorable Joseph Pastoressa
New York State Supreme Court Justice, 10th Judicial District, Suffolk County
Adjunct Professor of Law, Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

*Attorneys wishing to attend CLE courses at or through Touro Law Center may apply for tuition assistance.

2 NY CLE “Skills” credits available for all admitted attorneys. Attorneys wishing to attend CLE courses at or through Touro Law Center may apply for tuition assistance. Judicial and Touro student, faculty, and staff discounts are available.

For additional information, please contact tlccle@touro.edu or call 631.761.7006

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