FM recognizes the importance of developing a diverse and deep bench of trial attorneys who are skilled and capable of taking trying high-stakes cases. We also believe that a diverse trial team achieves the best results for our clients. As a means of underscoring our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards of legal representation, FM is proud to announce its programs aimed at developing the next generation of trial attorneys.
First, the FM Trial Training Academy returned to our Minneapolis, Minnesota office August 28-30. During this intensive three-day training, 15 of FM’s up-and-coming trial attorneys immersed themselves in hands-on workshops, mock trials, strategic sessions, and invaluable mentorship opportunities led by experienced FM trial attorneys.
“Our firm is fully invested in training new and diverse trial attorneys to meet the future needs of our clients in the post-covid world,” said Kyle Mansfield, Co-Founder and Firmwide Managing Partner. “It is of the utmost importance due to the disruption in trials caused by the pandemic and courts now moving to accelerate the number of cases called to trial.”
The FM Trial Training Academy has been cultivated and planned by partners Demetra Arapakis Christos (Chicago) and Thomas Pahl (Minneapolis). In addition to Arapakis Christos and Pahl, the program facilitators include seasoned trial attorneys: Gary Sharp (Detroit/Los Angeles), Michael Haag (Minneapolis), Mark Sayre (Los Angeles), Howard Wallach (Detroit), and Jonathan Lively (Chicago).
FM’s commitment to the development of our trial teams does not end with internal efforts. Earlier this month, Elizabeth Sorenson Brotten (Minneapolis) served as a faculty member at the International Association of Defense Counsel’s (IADC) 48th Annual Trial Training Academy, one of the oldest and most respected programs for developing defense trial advocacy skills. Kasia Nowak (Chicago) and Brett Fountain (Los Angeles) participated as students in the week-long program, hosted at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. Throughout the intensive week, students honed their skills in all areas of trial practice, with the guidance of instruction, demonstration, and feedback from experienced faculty across the country and Canada.
As we invest in the future of our firm, we remain dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.