Summer Associates Hone Their Trial Skills

Members of Winston’s Chicago and Dallas summer associate classes participated in three mock trials, which were held in the Chicago office on July 12 and 13.

The mock trials involved a personal injury case brought by a fictitious shipyard worker who fell 70 feet from an extended reach personnel lift he was using on the job. The suit, which included highly technical evidence, alleged that the manufacturer of the lift failed to design a product that was reasonably safe.

Based on the significant time our volunteer jurors spent in deliberations, it was evident that the summers did a terrific job presenting compelling arguments for both sides. Special awards went to:

• Chicago Summer Associate Monica Kociolek – Best Opening Statement
• Chicago Summer Associate Maura Levine – Best Direct Examination
• Dallas Summer Associate Michael Fechner – Best Cross Examination
• Chicago Summer Associate Tom Neuner – Best Closing Argument
• Chicago Summer Associate Matt Moyer – Dan Webb Award

Dallas Partner Steve Stodghill served as judge. Many associates acted as witnesses in the case, with awards going to Hayden Lawson (Most Believable) and Zack Sorman (Most Dramatic).

All of the participants and volunteers were recognized at a post-trial happy hour hosted at Prime & Provisions.

The mock trial award winners were Matt Moyer, Maura Levine, Monica Kociolek, Tom Neuner, and Michael Fechner (not pictured).