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Date: 09/06/2025

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Court & Hearings

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Planning the substance of your case
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Note: This video is only available in English. 

The American College of Trial Lawyers set up a panel of lawyers to run through each aspect of a case. Through each stage, they provide advice on how to improve the substance, so that it is most persuasive. The video breaks a trial down to the opening statement, direct examination, cross-examination, and conclusion. 

Last full review by a subject matter expert
December 12, 2024
Last revised by staff
December 20, 2024

About our legal information

Forms

Motion Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you ask a judge to do something in a case you are involved in.
Fee waiver Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you ask the court to waive or reduce filing fees.
Appearance Easy Form
This Easy Form makes an Appearance form that tells the court and the other parties that you are participating in a court case. It can also make an optional Jury Request.

Learn more

Inside and outside the jury box: Effective trial strategies

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

Apply Online

Part of the Legal Professionals library, sponsored by Reed Smith

Reed Smith logo

Forms

Motion Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you ask a judge to do something in a case you are involved in.
Fee waiver Easy Form
This Easy Form helps you ask the court to waive or reduce filing fees.
Appearance Easy Form
This Easy Form makes an Appearance form that tells the court and the other parties that you are participating in a court case. It can also make an optional Jury Request.

Learn more

Inside and outside the jury box: Effective trial strategies
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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.