It’s not your strong opening argument. It’s not your skilful direct.
It’s not how many of your impassioned objections the judge sustains
It’s not your confident demeanour.
It’s not even how you tie your theory of the case together with a dazzling closing statement
What wins your trial is your cross- examination.
Friday, 20 February 2026
Learning Objectives:
- Master the Chapter Method© to maximize each part of the case
- Use constructive cross-examination to prove your case
- Use the three elements of strong cross-examination questions
- The science of sequencing Chapters
- Using asymmetrical cross-examination to make the case about your theory
Description
Attend and earn 7 CPD hours
Whether you are a seasoned litigator or a new advocate, a day with Larry Pozner will help you improve your cross-examination preparation and deliver you results.
Legalwise Seminars proudly presents the foremost expert and teacher on cross-examination in the United States for a tour across Australia and New Zealand. No one teaches it better than Larry Pozner, and you will have the opportunity for an exclusive, hands-on immersion with him to equip you with the advanced techniques you need for successful cross-examination.
Larry Pozner will share the signature approach that has made his bestselling book, Cross-Examination: Science and Techniques, a “go-to” resource on cross-examination for all advocates.
- Maximise the effective use of cross-examination
- Utilise the power of leading questions
- Control witnesses and shape jurors’ perceptions
- Construct memorable narratives
- Master putting facts into persuasive order
- Create goal-oriented question sequences
Why Attend?
- Larry's highly entertaining and practical programme provides you with powerful sample "chapters" and scripts that you can tailor to your own facts to conduct strong cross-examinations.
- He will also teach you how to derail your opponent and impeach the key witness – even the most evasive or talkative one - in just a matter of minutes.
- Using examples from cases and step-by-step instructions, Larry offers effective cross-examination tips and strategies that you can implement immediately in your practice.
9.00am to 5.15pm Program Highlights
- Understanding that cross examination is A set of teachable techniques, not an art form: you can learn exceptional examination
- Navigating the science behind Larry's chapter method of cross-examination including the behavioral economics and cognitive neuroscience and psychology
- Using storytelling to teach your case: how to construct the cross-examination story
- Chapter method cross-examination: how to build chapters of cross-examination to achieve factual goals
- Writing chapter bundles: examining the advantages of telling big stories through linked smaller stories
- Asymmetric cross examination: focusing the jury/judge on issues that favor us and convincing the opponent to tackle losing issues
- Constructive cross examination: using the opponents’ witnesses to tell our stories and learning to ask safe questions when needed
- Sequences of cross examination: creating a persuasive order and staying on track
- Page preparation of chapters: the architecture of a page of chapter method cross and making impeachment easy
- Discovering the 3 rules of question structure: delivering questions that deprive the witness of time to deceive and grouping facts to use the opponents witnesses to tell our stories
- Using and diminishing anxiety: using anxiety effectively and creating predictability where needed
Chair:
Quentin Duff, Barrister and Head of Chambers, Matai Chambers
Presenters
Quentin Duff, Barrister and Head of Chambers, Matai ChambersQuentin Duff is the head of Mātai Chambers and brings over 25 years of experience focused on serious criminal trial and appellate advocacy. He is a fierce advocate with an established reputation for strategic litigation in New Zealand's most complex criminal cases Quentin is of Ngāiterangi, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Raukawa descent. He graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Master of Laws degree. Admitted for 25 years, he is one of the most senior Māori barristers in the country. Quentin has led well over 100 criminal jury trials and is an experienced appellate court advocate, appearing regularly in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He is regularly appointed by the District Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal to appear as amicus curiae to assist self-represented defendants.
Larry Pozner, Civil and Criminal Trial Lawyer
When we say that someone “wrote the book” on a subject., we are usually speaking figuratively. In this case it is literally true. Larry Pozner is America’s authority on cross-examination. His book Cross Examination: Science and Techniques (4th Ed., NACDL, by Pozner and Dodd) and his seminars, Pozner on Cross: the Chapter Method, revolutionized our profession’s view of the purposes and methods of modern cross. His second book; Larry Pozner’s Red Book; Lessons in Advanced Cross-Examination, (2025 NACDL, by Larry Pozner ) collected several of his columns that further explored the science of cross-examination. Pozner has long been recognized in Best Lawyers in America in Criminal Law—both white collar and non-white collar, and in civil “Bet the Company” litigation. He is a Past President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and began his career as a Colorado Public Defender. Pozner was trial counsel for more than a decade for the Denver Broncos franchise and its owner, Pat Bowlen. Pozner won the jury trial that challenged Pat Bowlen’s purchase of the Broncos. Pozner recently won and collected a $111 million judgment against a national bank for breach of trust. L S Pozner, PLLC www.pozneroncross.com pozneroncross@gmail.com
