This course offers attorneys a thorough understanding of the essential steps and procedures within the pleading stage of litigation. Participants will learn how to conduct an investigation, researching pertinent precedents, and drafting an effective complaint.
Participants will navigate the drafting of different sections of a complaint, including introduction, detailing the parties involved, jurisdiction and venue, common allegations, and prayer.
Additionally, the course delves into various strategies for responding to a complaint and instructs attorneys how to prepare a motion to dismiss following applicable legal standards and procedures. The final objective is to ensure participants are prepared for the next litigation steps following the pleading stage.
The latter part of the course transitions to the response side, where participants learn the strategies and nuances of responding to a complaint. It covers the decision-making processes regarding whether to move to dismiss the complaint or answer it, and how to identify the best grounds for dismissal. Aspects here include preparing motion papers, drafting opposition and reply briefs, as well as handling a hearing. The course concludes with guidance on drafting a response to an amended complaint and prepares attorneys for subsequent stages of litigation.
