Steven S. Kaufman Family Anatomy of a Trial Lecture Series 2026 – Session 1

IN-PERSON event

The Steven S. Kaufman Family Anatomy of a Trial Lecture Series is a signature program designed to take participants inside the art and strategy of trial advocacy—step by step, decision by decision. Led by nationally respected trial lawyers and judges, the series goes beyond theory to show how exceptional advocates actually prepare, think, and perform in the courtroom.
This spring, the series continues its deep dive into trial practice by following one complete case file across all three sessions, allowing participants to see how early strategic choices shape every phase of trial—from pretrial motions through jury deliberations. Each session builds on the last, offering a rare, cohesive look at how a case is developed, presented, and argued before a jury.

Participants will receive the case materials in advance, observe live demonstrations, and engage in candid discussions about advocacy choices, pitfalls, and persuasion.

Session 1: Motions in Limine, Voir Dire, and Openings featuring Susan Petersen and Luke Dauchot

February 27–28, 2026

This session focuses on shaping the battlefield before the first witness is called—framing evidentiary issues, selecting a jury, and delivering an opening that establishes credibility and theme from the outset.

• Friday Evening
   

  • 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Pre-meeting and case setup
     

  • 4:30–6:30 p.m. — Lecture and live demonstration
    
     

• Saturday Morning
   

  • 8:30–9:00 a.m. — Breakfast
     

  • 9:00–11:00 a.m. — Lecture and demonstration
     

  • Concluding Q&A and faculty commentary
     

Speaker Bios:

Luke Dauchot - Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Luke Dauchot is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where he focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation and complex trial matters. He has served as lead trial counsel in jury and bench trials across the country, representing clients in disputes involving significant financial and business risk. Mr. Dauchot has been recognized by leading legal publications, including Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America, for excellence in complex litigation and trial advocacy. Known for his strategic judgment, disciplined preparation, and persuasive courtroom presence, he is frequently entrusted with matters at their most critical stages and is widely respected for his ability to present complex issues clearly and effectively to judges and juries.

 

Susan Petersen – Petersen & Petersen

Susan Petersen is a highly respected trial attorney with a long track record of representing seriously injured individuals and fighting for justice in complex personal injury and medical negligence cases. She has consistently been recognized as one of Ohio’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers and named an Ohio Super Lawyer multiple years running, including elevation to the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Ohio in 2026—honors that reflect her standing among peers for excellence in advocacy and impact in the courtroom. Susan’s litigation results include substantial jury verdicts and negotiated settlements in cases involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence, underscoring her reputation as a tenacious and trusted trial advocate for plaintiffs.

4.0 CLE hours 

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