While many aspects of administrative litigation require significant time and attention—the importance of presenting well prepared witnesses, particularly Subject Matter Experts, cannot be understated. The process of navigating through complex administrative proceedings that may require several rounds of pre-filed testimony, depositions and live cross-examination is often challenging. This course will examine each step in that process, including expert selection, preparation of pre-filed and live testimony and protection of your expert’s credibility and opinions from attack on cross-examination. Practice tips and practical examples from administrative hearings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings and various state agencies will round out the presentation.
Although this course is geared towards administrative hearings, the practical tools discussed are universal and can be applied to witness preparation in many different venues. Presenter Susan M. Stith, currently Special Counsel in the Business Trial Practice Group of Sheppard Mullin, has litigated numerous cases in both district and federal court, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, and before various state agencies.
Learning Objectives:
Susan Stith is a special counsel in the Business Trial Practice Group in the firm's Washington, D.C. office. Susan represents communications providers before state regulatory agencies and state and federal district courts in a variety of proceedings.
Areas of Practice
Susan currently focuses on complex issues related to electronic communications infrastructure, including pole attachments and rights-of-way. Susan’s work involves federal, state and local regulatory issues, corporate transactions related to cable operators and other broadband service providers.
Most recently, Susan was a Senior Attorney at the Public Utility Commission of Texas. There, Susan served as lead counsel in numerous rate-making and enforcement proceedings, including matters of first impression regarding pole attachments before the Commission. Susan has extensive first chair litigation experience before state and federal courts and administrative tribunals handling an assortment of issues. Susan previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas, a position which garnered her significant experience litigating constitutional issues in both state and federal court. She also worked as a prosecutor for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Susan enjoys participating in pro bono matters with her colleagues in her free time.
Admissions
Texas
Washington, DC
Articles
FCC Law Blog Posts
"The DMCA: Seeking Safe Harbor in a Sea of Troubles," March 31, 2014
I did like white letters on blue background slides
Very good overview of SOAH proceedings.
Presenter was very good.
Great presentation!
Clear, concise and well-presented