Practical Advice: Evidence in Family Law Practice

Preparing a family law case for litigation, mediation, or negotiation requires a thorough knowledge of not only the law, but also the Virginia Rules of Evidence and how to present your case in a persuasive manner. This seminar explores proven techniques in cases involving custody, equitable distribution, spousal and child support, and attorney fees.

Too often, family law attorneys issue discovery requests and prepare a case in a fairly mechanical fashion. Participants will gain insight from experienced practitioners on how starting with the theory of the case dictates what evidence will be needed and how to collect and present that evidence, whether the case is being litigated, mediated, or negotiated. All forms of litigation or dispute resolution require an advocate to develop a theory of the case and then present evidence in a persuasive fashion. This seminar helps participants better understand how to work effectively regardless of the forum.

COVID-19 POLICY FOR LIVE-ON-SITE ATTENDANCE

By attending a live-on-site Virginia CLE^® seminar, you acknowledge the health risks associated with COVID-19 and that you MUST follow all Virginia CLE^® COVID-19 policies. You may NOT attend a live-on-site program if you have tested positive for COVID-19, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you are under any self-quarantine orders per CDC guidelines.

Click here for details about the Virginia CLE^® COVID-19 policy. Please revisit the webpage routinely for updates as we are monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. All updates to this policy will be emailed to registrants.
(Last updated March 2, 2022)

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $40 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE.

Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.

Inclement Weather Policy and Updates.

COURSE SCHEDULE (October 17) (Eastern Time)

• Sign-in for live seminar attendees in Charlottesville begins at 10:30 a.m.
• Q&A will be handled via chat room for Webcast attendees.
• Q&A will be handled via e-mail for telephone seminar attendees.

COURSE SCHEDULE (November 30) (Eastern Time)

• Q&A will be handled via chat room for Webcast attendees.
• Q&A will be handled via e-mail for telephone seminar attendees.

FACULTY

Brian M. Hirsch, Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C. / Reston
Danielle V. Poliner, Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C. / Reston

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Brian M. Hirsch, Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C. / Reston

Brian Hirsch has practiced Family Law in Northern Virginia since 1985 and is a partner in Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C. in Reston. He graduated from The American University, Washington College of Law in 1985. He is the editor of the Virginia Family Law Quarterly, a past Chair of the Board of Governors of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and a member of the VBA Family Law Coalition. Mr. Hirsch is certified by the Virginia Supreme Court as a family mediator and is a frequent speaker on family law and family mediation. In 2015, he was appointed as a substitute judge for the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and he coauthored the Virginia Family Law Trial Handbook in 2017. He is an adjunct professor at George Mason University Law School, teaching Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Danielle V. Poliner, Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C. / Reston

Danielle Poliner joined Hirsch and Ehlenberger in April 2013 and became a partner in January 2021. Prior to practicing family law, she worked as a criminal defense attorney in Northern Virginia. She is a member of the Fairfax Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar. She is a coauthor of the Virginia Family Law Trial Handbook.

At Emory University School of Law, Ms. Poliner was a member of the Emory International Law Review. She served as a Notes and Comments Editor of the Law Review, reading and editing the work of her peers. Additionally, her comment on the proposed International Megan's Law of 2010 was published in fall 2011. She studied psychology at the University of Virginia.