Iowa CLE - Trial Skills Courses

This is a listing of Trial Skills CLE Courses for Iowa. Please make your selection below of Iowa CLE courses. Click "Add To Cart" to purchase Individual CLE Courses. For more information about a particular CLE course, click on the "More Info" link. Click the "Preview" button to view a short preview of the course.

Iowa CLE
Accreditation Info

United Institute for Continuing Legal Education is a provider of accredited CLE courses throughout the country. To view our full accreditation details please .

All Courses

Medical Issues and Damages in Personal Injury Claims

Accidental injuries can be complex, and effectively handling these cases requires both medical insight and legal strategy. This CLE course equips attorneys with the knowledge to assess injuries, work with medical professionals, and communicate medical issues persuasively. Participants will first explore the medical foundations of accidental injuries—how they happen, their typical progressions, and key factors in determining severity. Next, the course will cover strategies for engaging w... More Info

$55

2General Credits
Mastering Field Sobriety Tests: Legal, Scientific, and Practical Considerations

Field sobriety tests play a crucial role in DUI cases, but how reliable are they? This CLE course delves into the three standardized tests used by law enforcement, examining their proper administration and scoring methods. Attorneys will learn how to identify weaknesses in the tests and effectively challenge police testimony through strategic cross-examination. The presenter will cover key techniques for questioning officers at both pre-trial hearings and during trials, providing pra... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Selective Ethics in Litigation from the Plaintiff's Perspective

Attorneys handling litigated matters must navigate a complex web of ethical rules while vigorously representing their clients. This CLE course will provide a comprehensive examination of the ethical limitations and responsibilities that shape legal advocacy, ensuring that counsel remains within professional and regulatory boundaries. Our panel of experts will share their perspectives on best practices for ethical decision-making, offering practical strategies to help attorneys avoid uni... More Info

$65

1.5Ethics Credits
Winning Trial Techniques: Cross Examinations

Expert witnesses can lend credibility to a case—or unravel it entirely. A well-executed cross-examination can expose inconsistencies, challenge assumptions, and shift the momentum in your favor. This CLE course provides a comprehensive, adaptable strategy for taking on expert testimony, helping attorneys maximize their impact in court. Rather than approaching cross-examination as a routine exercise, this course teaches lawyers how to turn it into a powerful advocacy tool. Participants will le... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Identifying Winning Social Security Cases and Preparing for Hearings

With Social Security disability claims often taking years to reach a hearing, attorneys must be able to identify the most promising cases early in the process. Equally important is ensuring that clients are fully prepared to make the most of their limited time before an administrative law judge. This CLE course explores effective methods for evaluating potential clients, recognizing key factors that increase the likelihood of success, and developing a structured approach to case prepara... More Info

$55

2General Credits
Artificial Intelligence as Evidence: Discoverability, Use, Admissibility of Algorithmic & Digital Evidence

Discussions about artificial intelligence in the legal field often focus on its potential to streamline workflows and boost efficiency. However, AI can also be a critical factor in litigation—not as a tool, but as evidence. This CLE program examines how artificial intelligence fits into the evidentiary landscape of a trial. The course breaks down the legal definitions of AI and the kinds of materials that may qualify as AI-generated evidence. Attendees will learn how to identify AI in t... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Tax Law and Personal Injury Litigation: Representing Victims of Sexual Abuse

This CLE program is tailored for attorneys handling personal injury cases, with a particular emphasis on advocating for survivors of sexual abuse. It provides an in-depth examination of the tax implications surrounding settlements and judgments in tort litigation, focusing on the legal framework that classifies compensation for personal physical injuries as non-taxable. The course explores the historical evolution of this tax rule and its specific relevance to sexual abuse cases. Addit... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Federal Torts Claims Act: Personal Injury Lawsuit from Intake through Trial

A client contacts you after slipping and falling at a TSA checkpoint, resulting in a knee injury that required surgery. How do you proceed? This CLE course will guide you through every stage of handling a slip and fall lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), from client intake to trial, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit. The presenter will help you identify which cases to accept and which to decline, emphasizing the many potential challenges inhere... More Info

$29

1General Credit
DUI Defense: Mastering Strategies From The Experts

This CLE course provides an in-depth exploration of the legal challenges arising when a potential client is arrested and charged with a DUI. The course will cover key aspects the prosecution must establish in their case, as well as common and uncommon DUI defenses. It will also address broader issues related to constitutional rights, such as the right to remain silent, and delve into matters involving driver's licenses and the Department of Motor Vehicles. While the course primaril... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Cross-Examination of Experts in Tort Cases: The Basics Plus

This CLE course offers an in-depth exploration of the core strategies for cross-examining defense experts in tort cases, with a focus on personal injury and insurance bad faith litigation. Participants will learn to identify key research sources for uncovering effective cross-examination opportunities, prepare experts during depositions for impactful cross-examinations, and develop techniques to highlight critical points that undermine expert testimony. Designed for practitione... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Wiretaps 101: Defending Your Client in Wiretap Cases

Are you new to wiretaps or unfamiliar with how they work in legal cases? This CLE course provides a comprehensive introduction to wiretaps and equips you with the tools to effectively defend your client when a wiretap is involved. Explore the history of wiretaps and the evolution of modern caselaw to gain a deeper understanding of how to challenge their use in court. From the Government’s application process to law enforcement’s execution of a wiretap, this course covers the essential... More Info

$55

2General Credits
How to Prepare and Try a Car Accident Case in Front of a Jury

This CLE course is designed to equip attorneys with limited trial experience with the skills needed to prepare a case for trial and effectively present it to a jury. Participants will explore key aspects of trial preparation, from the initial stages of the case through closing arguments. The course will focus on translating thorough preparation into clear and persuasive communication of client claims to a jury. By the end of the program, attendees will have a foundational understanding... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Clarity Above All Things: Writing Briefs That Can Actually Be Understood

This CLE course is designed to help attorneys master the art of clear and effective brief writing. Emphasizing readability and precision, the program focuses on techniques to craft briefs that are not only persuasive but also accessible to diverse audiences, including judges, clients, and colleagues. Participants will learn strategies to eliminate ambiguity, structure arguments logically, and communicate complex ideas with simplicity and clarity. Whether you're an experienced a... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Artificial Intelligence & the Criminal Justice System

This CLE course examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on criminal law, highlighting its expanding role in law enforcement, the judicial process, and professional ethics. Participants will gain actionable strategies for addressing AI-generated evidence, navigating issues of bias and transparency, and keeping pace with evolving legislation shaping AI’s use in the criminal justice system. Key topics include: AI in Law Enforcement: Predictive policin... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Sentencing is Not Always the End of the Line

This CLE course focuses on the often-overlooked yet critical aspect of criminal defense practice: preparing for sentencing. While sentencing is a frequent occurrence—highlighted by a 2018 PEW Research Center Report showing that 90% of federal criminal cases ended in guilty pleas—there are few CLE programs dedicated to this phase of representation. This course emphasizes the importance of presenting your client as an individual with a unique life story, beyond the charges they face. Thr... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Handling Sexual Abuse Claims

This CLE course provides an essential overview of the legal principles, factors, and considerations involved in effectively addressing sexual abuse claims. The course explores what constitutes actionable sexual abuse, the common causes of action, and potential defenses. Key topics include liability and insurance coverage, legal obligations, public policy considerations, claim valuation, and resolution strategies. Special focus is given to alternative dispute resolution methods and rest... More Info

$55

2General Credits
Legal Implications of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

This CLE course examines the legal framework surrounding liability theories that may be applied to the owner and operator of the container ship Dali following its collision with and damage to the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 24, 2024. The session will explore available defenses for ship owners and operators, including the possibility of limiting liability under federal law, as well as defenses against cargo interests under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA). The cour... More Info

$29

1General Credit
A Lawyers Guide to Dealing with the Media

This CLE course empowers trial lawyers with essential skills to engage effectively with the media, protect their clients’ interests, and uphold professional ethics. Attendees will learn to craft clear, persuasive messages, handle press interactions, and respond confidently to challenging questions in high-profile cases. Key topics include media law, courtroom publicity, and the influence of media coverage on jury perception and case outcomes. Through case studies, simulated interviews,... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Nuts and Bolts of Social Security Disability Law

This CLE course offers a comprehensive guide to launching a practice in Social Security Disability Law. Designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical tools, this course enables you to confidently start your practice right away. Topics covered include every critical stage of the process: client intake, initial claims, reconsiderations, hearings, and appeals. Gain practical insights and expert advice to navigate each step and provide effective representation in Social... More Info

$29

1General Credit
How to Win Your Case Without Going to Trial

This CLE course, led by an experienced author and lecturer with over 50 years of litigation practice in State and Federal Courts, focuses on strategies for resolving cases without the need for trial—while also preparing you for the possibility of going to trial. Emphasizing that more than 90% of litigations end in an out-of-court settlement or through pre-trial motions (such as motions for summary judgment or to dismiss), this course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed i... More Info

$55

2General Credits
Sealing the Deal: Clean Slate 3.0 and Pennsylvania Pardons

This CLE session, led by an experienced criminal defense attorney with over 35 years of practice, explores the latest updates in Pennsylvania's Clean Slate 3.0 law and the state's evolving pardon process. Tailored for attorneys aiming to deepen their knowledge in post-conviction relief, this course covers essential legislative changes, practical techniques for assisting clients in record clearance, and the ethical challenges attorneys may face. Gain insights on using Clean Slat... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Anatomy of a TTAB Action

This CLE course provides a comprehensive guide to navigating inter partes proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). While these proceedings share many procedural similarities with federal court litigation, they are generally less formal and can offer a more cost-effective option for clients. The course will cover each stage of the process in detail, highlighting key strategies, potential challenges, and common pitfalls to help pr... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Criminal Procedure: The 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments

This CLE lecture will explore critical topics including the definitions of search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment, the process of obtaining and executing search warrants, and the various exceptions to the warrant requirement. Additional topics include stop and frisk procedures, the exclusionary rule and its exceptions, Miranda rights under the Fifth Amendment, the voluntariness of statements under the Fourteenth Amendment, and a brief overview of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. More Info

$55

2General Credits
Mastering Depositions: How to Command the Room with Authority and Civility

This CLE program is designed to help attorneys sharpen their deposition skills, enabling them to better manage witnesses and opposing counsel while ensuring their clients feel at ease. By sharing effective strategies, the program provides valuable insights into how experienced litigators and successful trial lawyers conduct depositions. Additionally, it focuses on helping attorneys make the most of opportunities often overlooked during depositions, ultimately enhancing their chances of... More Info

$55

2General Credits
Update on Disclosure in Special Proceedings

This CLE course provides an overview of the criteria courts use to evaluate disclosure requests in special proceedings under CPLR 408. Unlike standard cases, disclosure in special proceedings is not automatically permitted, except for a notice to admit. To obtain disclosure, a party must file a motion under CPLR 408 and demonstrate “ample need.” Since this standard is not precisely defined, the course will examine how different courts interpret and apply it when ruling on motions for d... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Traumatic Brain Injury and Necessary Experts

To effectively pursue litigation involving traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), it is essential for any litigator to have a solid understanding of brain function, the causes and effects of TBIs, and the role of experts in these cases. This seminar offers a comprehensive overview of brain function and dysfunction, valuable not only for litigators but for anyone interested in the subject. By gaining insights into how the brain operates, we can better comprehend the foundations of human behavi... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Selecting the Appropriate ADR Forum for Your Case

Choosing the right ADR forum for tort cases is crucial, as not every forum is suitable for every lawsuit. Start by identifying the available ADR options, such as binding arbitration with high/low parameters, non-binding mediation, or hybrid approaches like Med-Arb. Considerations should include the jurisdiction, the status of the case (whether it's in the early pre-litigation stage, has undergone some discovery, or is trial-ready), and the potential impact of selecting a particular forum.... More Info

$29

1General Credit
No Mercy: Presenting a Successful Justification Defense

This cutting-edge CLE will guide you through the principles and practicalities of presenting a self-defense or justification defense at trial. This lecture is designed for both experienced practitioners seeking to refine their techniques and those new to the field looking to grasp the fundamentals. You will explore all the critical steps of a successful justification defense, including understanding the burden of proof, applying the reasonableness standard, conducting thorough discover... More Info

$29

1General Credit
An Introduction to Conducting a Special Civil Trial Under 20K in Damages

This CLE presentation is designed specifically for new attorneys who may lack mentorship or guidance from senior colleagues. It offers practical strategies to help them confidently handle a wide range of cases, from Special Civil matters to Temporary Restraining Orders and even more complex Civil litigation. The course aims to equip new attorneys with the flexibility needed to take on cases they might otherwise hesitate to accept. By adopting a repeatable trial strategy, participants wil... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Litigation: Using Outcome Based Strategies to Drive Value

Step into the arena of outcome-focused litigation strategies. Unlike traditional litigation, this approach is centered on achieving specific results through legal action. It begins with a well-defined goal, particularly regarding value and settlement objectives. This method also requires a keen awareness of the tactics needed to exert the right pressure on the opposing party to secure the desired outcome. By harnessing automation, we amplify our ability to drive these strategies toward... More Info

$107

4General Credits
U.S. Trademark Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide

This CLE course offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to navigating the U.S. trademark application process from start to finish. We will cover everything from the advantages of securing a federal trademark registration to meeting the specific requirements set by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Participants will learn how to effectively respond to Office Actions and identify appropriate specimens to support their applications. Additionally, we will provide a concis... More Info

$29

1General Credit
In the Drone Zone: Legal Insights for Attorneys in Unmanned Aircraft Law

This CLE course offers attorneys a concise overview of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and the legal and regulatory challenges they pose. Participants will explore drone technology, its diverse industry applications, and the key role of legal frameworks. The course covers federal FAA regulations on drone operations, including operational limits, registration, and compliance. It also addresses the complex mix of state and local laws affecting drone use across different areas. Attendees will... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Innovative Approaches to Drafting Copyright Infringement Complaints

As artificial intelligence continues to generate works that may be eligible for copyright protection, and the Internet increasingly permeates all areas of global commerce, understanding copyright law is becoming essential for any business attorney, whether in transactions or litigation. This CLE course will delve into the specific requirements for evaluating potential copyright claims and crafting comprehensive copyright complaints for filing in Federal District Court. Participants wil... More Info

$29

1.25General Credits
Evidentiary Issues in the Murdaugh Case

This CLE course will explore the evidentiary complexities in the Alex Murdaugh case, where a South Carolina jury found Murdaugh guilty of murdering his wife and son. The prosecution contended that Murdaugh had two primary motives for these killings. First, they argued he killed his son, Paul, to mitigate his own liability in a lawsuit stemming from Paul's drunk driving of the family boat, which resulted in the death of Mallory Beach. The death of Paul would potentially limit the impact... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Capital Punishment: The Myth of Innocence

The issue of capital punishment has been a persistent and controversial element in the criminal codes of nearly every U.S. state since the nation's founding. This CLE course explores the multifaceted debates surrounding the death penalty, focusing on its fairness, administration, and inherent ethical concerns. Over the past 70 years, the controversy has centered on three primary issues: Can the death penalty be administered in a manner consistent with fair and constitutional procedures,... More Info

$29

1.25General Credits
Mastering Courtroom Success: Winning Your Trial and Appeal

This CLE course will explore the essential elements required to effectively present your case, aiming to increase the chances of achieving a favorable verdict, whether you represent the plaintiff or the defendant. The course will highlight the critical aspects of a trial that can influence the outcome. Additionally, it will provide methods for "protecting the record" to ensure that a trial victory is upheld on appeal if the opposing party contests the decision. If you do not prev... More Info

$55

2General Credits
Filing Social Security Disability Appeals in Federal Court

Filing a Social Security case in Federal Court can be a challenging endeavor, with stringent prerequisites and a narrow filing window. This comprehensive course is designed to demystify the process and equip you with the skills to evaluate your case's viability, adhere to court protocols, and craft persuasive briefs. Topics discussed include: Assess whether filing in the United States District Court is appropriate for your case. Identify the correct District Court for your filing.... More Info

$55

1.5General Credits
Professionalism and Civility for Attorneys: Mastering First Impressions and Effective Communication

In today’s highly connected world, your professional image can significantly influence your career trajectory. This CLE course provides actionable strategies to help you build a compelling and enduring professional brand. Whether in the courtroom, during Zoom meetings, or on social media, your communication—both verbal and non-verbal—is constantly under observation. This course will teach you how to create a powerful first impression and maintain a consistent, professional demeanor in e... More Info

$34

1Ethics Credit
Do's and Don'ts for Zoning Hearings

Public hearings are essential forums for community involvement, especially in the context of zoning and land use decisions. But what exactly distinguishes a public hearing from a public meeting? This CLE program delves into the critical role of public hearings, offering a comprehensive understanding of their necessity and function. Led by a seasoned land use attorney—who brings the unique perspective of a former planning commissioner and current elected official—this seminar provides in... More Info

$29

1General Credit
Handling Cannabis Personal Injury Lawsuits

Many people mistakenly believe that marijuana and cannabis products, including CBD, pose no risks. This is not the case. Both legal professionals and the general public often overlook the potential for marijuana to cause personal harm. As evidence of marijuana-related injuries grows, it is important for lawyers to recognize possible liability issues. Defense lawyers within the cannabis sector have started alerting their clients about impending personal injury lawsuits. This CLE i... More Info

$55

2General Credits
Protecting Your Trademark In The Face of EU’s, GPDR and U.S. Privacy Laws- Case Study and Practical Tips

This CLE course will explore the growing challenges in identifying trademark infringers on the internet, highlighting the common hurdles faced during the process. It will cover essential knowledge for obtaining relief from trademark violations online. The course will address GDPR and U.S. privacy laws, discussing the difficulties these regulations create in tracking down online-only infringers. Additionally, it will delve into the strategies and practical aspects of securing legal reme... More Info

$55

2General Credits
The Plaintiff Fact Sheet (“PFS”) in a Mass Tort Setting

This CLE course explores the Plaintiff Fact Sheet (PFS), a key document in Mass Tort litigation that functions as a customized set of written questions in place of standard interrogatories. In Mass Tort cases, parties negotiate the questions that appear in the PFS. Defendants aim to include detailed questions covering basic claimant information—like date of birth and marital status—as well as case-specific details such as the type and date of injury, and the claimant's medical history.... More Info

$29

1.25General Credits
Winning Strategies for Soft Tissue Injuries

This CLE course will offer strategies for successful outcomes in jury trials for soft tissue injuries in car crashes. This course will focus on tried-and-true methods to winning compensation for clients on soft tissue sprain/strain types of injuries in crash cases. The strategies will be presented in a step-by-step manner, beginning with Voire Dire and ending with closing arguments. More Info

$29

1General Credit