Annual symposium to highlight ‘Experts and Trial Practice’ topic

By Tom Kirvan
Legal News

Various distinguished members of the bench and bar will be featured on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the 6th Annual State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section Symposium at the historic Guardian Building in downtown Detroit, according to Troy attorney Mark Rossman, who has served as moderator and organizer of the event since its inception.

The Guardian Building is an Art Deco skyscraper designed by renowned architect Wirt Rowland whose innovative use of color was a trademark of his work.

“Experts and Trial Practice” will serve as the focus of the program, scheduled for 5:30-9 p.m.

The program will include a one-hour panel discussion concerning “expert work in litigation and at trial,” Rossman indicated.

Among the scheduled panelists will be Daniel Agaus of B. Riley Advisory Services; Van Conway of Van Conway & Partners; Thomas Frazee of FVF Consulting; James Harrington of MDD Forensic Accountants; and Jesse Ultz of Stout. Rossman will moderate the panel discussion.

“In addition to the ‘Experts in Court’ panel discussion, there will be a panel consisting of judges and former judges who discuss various aspects of trial practice, which we are really looking forward to, as the dialogue with the judiciary has always been one of the most interesting part of the symposia over the years,” said Rossman, who founded the Troy business law firm, Rossman, P.C. in 2015.

A third program segment will feature a presentation by noted trial attorney E. Powell Miller, a Rochester based lawyer who will focus on “opening statements” at trial.

“Powell always does such an incredible job, and he has been with us since the beginning of the Symposium,” said Rossman, adding that Miller “brought the house down” with his presentation on cross-examination last year.

 “Powell’s presentation last year was out of this world, and so the content committee couldn’t not have him follow up on that with another element of trial practice, opening statements this time.”

Miller is co-chairing the symposium this year with Rossman and has been instrumental in coordinating the judicial panel, which will include, among others, retired U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts and Federal Magistrate Judges Kimberly Altman and Anthony Patti. The discussion will be moderated by Sara MacWilliams of Doerr MacWilliams Howard.

“I think it will be very interesting to get insight from members of the judiciary about what resonates with them in terms of trial strategy and techniques,” said Miller, who opened his firm in 1994 and has gained a national reputation for trial expertise.

This year’s Symposium has the makings of the “best yet,” according to Rossman, who several years ago commissioned the creation of a website with information on registration, agenda, presenters, and sponsorship opportunities. Visit www.bizsympo

Registration will be open through the State Bar website on January 16. Tickets cost $135 and can be obtained through pre-registration by contacting Rossman at mark@rossmanpc.com.

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