Firm News

On February 7^th, a Capes Sokol attorney will present a Missouri Bar Continuing Education (MoBarCLE) course entitled, “Summary Judgments – Precursor to an Appeal”. The webinar is produced by The Missouri Bar’s MoBarCLE program which provides quality continuing legal education programming to Missouri attorneys throughout the state.

Summary Judgments – Precursor to an Appeal

Program Description:

Summary judgment is a vital means by which cases can be disposed of in order to avoid the costs, expenses, and unpredictable outcomes associated with trial. Certain claims, such as those involving purely contract or statutory interpretation, do not involve disputed issues of fact, but rather call upon the judge to decide matters of law. Because summary judgment often fully and finally disposes of a case, litigants are faced with the prospect of appeal. In today’s landscape where fewer cases are resolved by trial, litigants often find themselves in the court of appeals after dispositive motions. Whether filing motions for summary judgment, or, in opposition, trial lawyers should be prepared to defend their client’s position by anticipating an appeal.

Summary Judgment Topics:

• Missouri Rule of Civil Procedure 74.04
• procedural framework of motions for summary judgment
• the absence of factual issues which merit adjudication at trial
• simplifying the issues for summary judgment and appeal
• building the summary judgment record to ensure you have everything needed to reverse or     affirm the trial court’s decision
• the admissibility of evidence forming the basis of your motion
• cross-motions, purely legal arguments and the (almost) inevitable appeal
• final appealable orders versus interlocutory orders
• de novo review

For additional information about the course, please visit the registration page.