Courtroom Etiquette CLE: Professionalism, Presence, and Persuasion

Approved for California Civility MCLE Credit

The Southwestern Law School Nickel Club and the Armenian Bar Association invite you to a virtual CLE program exploring courtroom etiquette and the unwritten expectations that can shape an attorney’s credibility and effectiveness in court.

Featuring perspectives from a judge, supervising research attorney, and law clerk, the panel will offer practical guidance on courtroom professionalism, preparation, demeanor, persuasive oral advocacy, and interactions with court staff and opposing counsel. The speakers will also discuss common mistakes attorneys should avoid during both in-person and remote appearances.

Topics will include:

• Courtroom etiquette and expectations from the bench and chambers
• Civility, professionalism, and maintaining credibility with the court
• Zealous advocacy versus gamesmanship, including lessons from Lasalle v. Vogel
• Effective oral advocacy and interactions with court staff
• Professionalism during remote and in-person court appearances
• Artificial intelligence, attorney accountability, and maintaining candor with the court

Panelists

• Hon. Michael R. Amerian — Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court
• Zepur Simonian — Supervising Research Attorney, Los Angeles Superior Court
• Nazenin Ainpour — Law Clerk, Los Angeles Superior Court

Moderator

• Armine Margaryan — Associate Attorney, Husch Blackwell LLP, and Chair of the Southwestern Nickel Club Career Committee