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 in both scenarios. You will learn the most effective methods for conducting pre-trial discovery, including taking and defending depositions, crafting and responding to document demands, and utilizing other discovery tools. The course will teach you how to secure critical admissions from opponents and gather admissible evidence through various means, such as non-party depositions and document requests. This evidence will allow you to accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and your opponent's, positioning you to negotiate the best possible settlement for your client. In cases where a settlement isn’t reached, the course will guide you in using discovery to support motions for summary judgment or other summary dispositions—whether to dismiss claims if you represent a defendant, or counterclaims if you represent a plaintiff. The lecturer will provide valuable tips for improving your chances of success in these motions. Finally, should your case proceed to trial, the same pre-trial discovery techniques will equip you with the necessary evidence and strategy to effectively argue your case and create a strong record for appeal if needed.