This summer, Shutts & Bowen Miami partner Bernie Pastor presented a series of trial skills seminars for the firm’s summer associates and all litigation associates, with the support and participation of Miami Office Managing Partner Aliette D. Rodz. The four-part Trial Skills Workshop Series provided practical instruction on the fundamentals of trial advocacy, including courtroom professionalism and preparation, opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations, and the introduction of evidence.
Throughout the program, the participants analyzed actual trial transcripts—including opening statements, cross examinations, and closing arguments—to examine how effective advocacy techniques are employed in real courtroom proceedings. The interactive format encouraged discussion and provided practical insight into trial strategy and courtroom presentation.
The program culminated in the Miami summer associates conducting a mock trial at Osvaldo N. Soto Miami Dade Circuit Court, where they applied the skills and techniques developed throughout the program in a courtroom setting and heard advice and words of encouragement from Judge Lourdes Simon.
The Trial Skills Workshop Series reflects Shutts & Bowen’s ongoing commitment to professional development and to providing meaningful, hands-on training for its lawyers.
About Bernard “Bernie” Pastor
Bernard “Bernie” Pastor is a partner in the Miami office of Shutts & Bowen LLP, where he is a member of the Business Litigation Practice Group. A Florida Bar Board-Certified expert in Civil Trial Law and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Bernie has extensive first-chair experience in both federal and state courts. His practice focuses on representing clients in complex civil litigation, from pre-suit strategy through trial and appeal. A seasoned trial attorney, he has successfully tried nearly 30 federal and state jury trials to verdict. In addition to his trial experience, Bernie has handled several appeals and oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
About Aliette DelPozo Rodz
Aliette DelPozo Rodz is the Managing Partner of Shutts & Bowen LLP's Miami office, where she chairs the International Litigation and Arbitration Practice Group and the Cuba Task Force. Aliette serves as lead trial counsel for companies in disputes before state and federal courts, in arbitration, and before administrative agencies. She handles all aspects of litigation, including preliminary and permanent injunction hearings, evidentiary hearings, bench trials, arbitrations, and jury trials.