MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022

12:55      Welcome and Introductions

1:00        Informal Logical Fallacies

In this session, focus on 10 common informal logical fallacies, discussing how they are formulated, how to recognize them, how to use them, and how to refuse them in legal arguments and in contract negotiations.

2:00        Break

2:10        Is That a Fact?

Classical logic is built upon premises that are presumed to be true, but what exactly is "true" and how does it differ from "fact"? A recent Pew Survey revealed that 64% of knowledgeable, savvy Americans could not distinguish properly between five factual statements and five opinion statements; the unknowledgeable, unsavvy Americans fared far worse. In this session, we examine the differences between data and facts, facts and truth, facts and evidence, claims and beliefs, beliefs and opinions, and norms and values. We use this information to help you construct more convincing, logical arguments and enhance your credibility in litigation and transactional practice, as well as in casual conversations.

3:10        Break

3:20        Classical Logical Syllogisms

Learn how to use classical logical syllogisms to construct arguments, and how to identify six formal logical fallacies that undermine your credibility and reduce your chances for success. Use this information to help construct more convincing, logical arguments and enhance your credibility in litigation and transactional practice, as well as in casual conversations.

4:20        Adjourn for Day

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2022

8:55        Welcome and Introductions

9:00        How Courts Assess Ambiguity

This session explores:
•  The court's 5 options in an ambiguous contract case
•  50 cases surveyed from 2021 state and federal court decisions, the survey says:
   ◦  The 3 most commonly litigated types of provisions in 2021
   ◦  The 3 drafting errors mostly likely to cause litigation
•  3 keys to eliminating contextual ambiguity

10:00      Break

10:10      Examples of Embarrassing Errors Good Lawyers Made With Definitions That Caused Litigation in 2021 Cases

Learn the basic rules for drafting definitions, when to use integrated verses autonomous definitions, when autonomous definitions are best and how definitions improve the text.

11:10      Break

11:20      Examples of the 5 Most Common Phrasing Patterns That Cause Litigation

Avoid phrasing pattern pitfalls. This session highlights:
•  What does this word modify?
•  What does this phrase modify?
•  What is the foregoing?
•  Which provision controls?

12:20      Adjourn