CATA LITIGATION INSTITUTE
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April 29, 2026 | CMBA Conference Center, 1375 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
AGENDA
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast
9:00am-10:30am Jacob Plattenberger | TorHoerman Law | Chicago, IL
Trying Cases in the Age of AI: From Preparation to Presentation
Trial practice has fundamentally changed. This session shows how trial lawyers can use AI to sharpen strategy, develop compelling themes, and generate persuasive metaphors and visuals. Learn how to use AI to simulate focus groups, uncover strengths and vulnerabilities in your case, and anticipate—and prepare for—the defense’s arguments before trial begins.
We will also cover how modern courtroom tools—especially the document camera—can transform evidence presentation. See how to present exhibits dynamically, highlight key details in real time, and create persuasive visuals live with witnesses in front of the jury.
10:30am-10:45am Break
10:45am-12:15pm John Camillus | Columbus, OH
Winning in the Beginning: Voir Dire & Opening Statement
Jurors begin forming opinions the moment trial begins. This session examines how lawyers can use voir dire and opening statement to establish trust, frame the case, and set the tone for the evidence that follows. We will cover practical preparation strategies, approaches to jury engagement, and structural choices for openings, along with the mistakes that most often undermine these critical early phases of trial.
12:15pm-1:15pm Lunch
1:15pm-5:00pm Workshop Sessions: Get on Your Feet and Practice Voir Dire or Opening Statement in Front of Mock Jurors
Attendees will get on their feet and practice voir dire or opening statement in front of mock jurors. Attendees will each have about 20 minutes on their feet, and will then get feedback from veteran trial attorney “coaches”. Attendees should identify a case they are working on that is likely to go to trial and come practice!! Bring your case, get on your feet, and bring your best!!
5:00pm-6:00pm Cocktail Hour
SPEAKERS
Jacob Plattenberger | TorHoerman Law | Chicago, IL
Since joining TorHoerman Law in 2009, Jake Plattenberger has taken hundreds of depositions, argued in countless hearings, and tried over thirty-five (35) cases to a jury.
In February 2026, Jake obtained a $25 million verdict in Los Angelas, CA in a product liability case involving lung injuries from the cooking spray, Pam®.
In 2024, Jake obtained a $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories, Inc. for preterm infant formula contributing to necrotizing enterocolitis, including $400 million in punitive damages. This was the #1 plaintiff’s verdict in 2024 according to Courtroom View Network and Missouri Lawyers Media. You can watch the entire trial on Courtroom View Network (cvn.com). Jake has numerous other 7 and 8 figure verdicts.
A dedicated student of neuroscience, persuasion, and jury psychology, Jake frequently lectures on trial advocacy and integrates advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, into his preparation and presentations.
John Camillus | Camillus Law | Camillus Trial Consulting-Mind of the Jury | Columbus, OH
In his 20+ years as a trial lawyer and fifteen years as a trial consultant, John Camillus has earned a nationwide reputation as an expert in juror decision-making and trial techniques. As a trial lawyer, in 2022, he recovered over $180 million for his clients. In 2023, he received a $10.65 million jury verdict in a $300,000 offer trucking case, a $2.6 million jury verdict in an $80,000 offer employment discrimination case, and a $787 million jury verdict in a single-plaintiff wrongful death case. Last year, he secured jury verdicts of $36 million and $49 million.
As a jury consultant, he has assisted trial lawyers in the past few years alone with $52.5 million in a double fatality trucking accident, a $26 million personal injury verdict, a verdict of $25 million in a medical malpractice case, a verdict of $18.5 million in a single-plaintiff wrongful death case, and a $36 million injury verdict in New Mexico. In 2025, he assisted on a $31 million product liability verdict in Florida, an $82 million trucking verdict in Ohio, and a $220 million product liability verdict in New Mexico. He was at trial with Jake Plattenberger helping to pick the jury in the $25 million product liability verdict in Los Angeles mentioned above. John graduated first in his class from Ohio Wesleyan University, received his law degree from Yale Law School, and has been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates.