Mock Cross-Examination Skills Workshop: Mastering Expert Witness Examination in Arbitration - Nov. 11th, 2026

Location: Los Angeles, CA

AAA Los Angeles Regional Office and Hearing Center
725 South Figueroa, Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90017

Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)

Program Description:

Mock Cross-Examination Skills Workshop: Mastering Expert Witness Examination in Arbitration

Join the American Arbitration Association®–International Centre for Dispute Resolution® (AAA-ICDR®), Young CalArb, and IBA Arb40 for an immersive, half-day legal skills workshop designed to strengthen advocacy in international arbitration.

This interactive program places participants in a realistic arbitration setting where they will conduct and observe the cross-examination of an expert witness in a fictional international commercial dispute. Working in teams under the guidance of experienced arbitrators, counsel, and expert witnesses, participants will practice strategic questioning, witness control, impeachment techniques, and effective use of expert evidence. Each mock hearing will conclude with a structured faculty debrief providing practical feedback on advocacy style, examination strategy, and persuasive techniques used during the simulation.

Unlike traditional lecture-based programs, this workshop emphasizes experiential learning through hands-on participation and direct observation. It is designed for junior and mid-level practitioners, in-house counsel, and arbitration professionals seeking to develop practical hearing skills applicable to international arbitration proceedings.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Develop and execute an effective cross-examination strategy tailored to an expert witness in arbitration.
• Apply techniques to challenge expert opinions through the effective use of documents, prior statements, assumptions, and methodology.
• Demonstrate advocacy skills that enhance witness control, credibility assessment, and persuasive oral presentation.
  
• Recognize common pitfalls in examining expert witnesses and identify best practices for effective advocacy.
  
• Evaluate different cross-examination approaches through structured faculty feedback and peer observation.
  
• Understand the role of expert evidence in international arbitration and the strategic considerations that influence its presentation and testing before an arbitral tribunal.
  
• Incorporate practical advocacy techniques into future arbitration hearings to improve effectiveness before international tribunals.

Faculty:

TBD

CLE Information:

Cerifi LegalEdge is coordinating the application process for continuing legal education (CLE) credit on behalf of the American Arbitration Association. CLE credit has been requested in California.

Approval and credit amounts are subject to each jurisdiction’s review and rules and therefore cannot be guaranteed or confirmed in advance. Final credit eligibility will be determined by the respective state CLE authorities upon review of the program and verified attendance.