On February 10, Brown, Goldstein & Levy partner Jacqueline Cadman had the privilege of guest lecturing for students enrolled in the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) Innocence Project Clinic at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Jacqueline shared practical strategies for conducting compelling and persuasive direct examinations—an essential skill in the pursuit of justice.
Drawing on twenty years of courtroom experience, Jacqueline led an interactive session focused on the fundamentals of effective direct examination: developing a clear case theory, organizing testimony into a persuasive narrative, asking open-ended and non-leading questions, and using exhibits strategically to reinforce key points. The session emphasized that direct examination is not simply about eliciting facts—it is about telling the witness’s story in a way that is credible, human, and impactful.
Rather than relying solely on lecture, Jacqueline engaged students in active learning exercises designed to mirror real courtroom dynamics. Students worked through a case pattern, identified themes, discussed pitfalls that can undermine testimony and took turns conducting direct examinations of a witness in a simulated courtroom setting. The conversation was dynamic and collaborative, with students asking thoughtful questions about witness preparation, handling unexpected answers, and maintaining control of the narrative while remaining flexible.
The discussion focused on strengthening question structure, improving pacing, sharpening thematic development, and enhancing courtroom presence. Students were encouraged to reflect on their own performances and identify areas for growth, fostering a supportive environment centered on skill development. “The ability to conduct a clear and compelling direct examination is one powerful tool a trial lawyer possesses,” Jacqueline noted. “It was inspiring to see these students engage so deeply with the craft and to watch their confidence grow in just a short period of time.”
The MOPD Innocence Clinic’s mission—to investigate and litigate claims of wrongful conviction—requires careful, thoughtful advocacy. The clinic is a unique collaboration between the MOPD and Carey Law and is part of the Innocence Network, a coalition of independent innocence organizations dedicated to combating wrongful convictions worldwide and reforming the criminal legal system. Erica J. Suter serves as director of the clinic at Maryland Carey Law, where she is professor of the practice and assistant public defender.
Brown Goldstein & Levy is proud to support experiential legal education and remains committed to mentoring law students as they develop into effective, ethical advocates. By equipping future lawyers with strong courtroom fundamentals, programs like the MOPD Innocence Clinic help ensure that the next generation of advocates is prepared to seek justice with skill, integrity, and compassion.
ABOUT JACQUELINE CADMAN
Jacqueline is widely regarded as one of the best criminal trial lawyers in Maryland and the District of Columbia. She has tried hundreds of cases throughout her career, ranging from traffic and misdemeanor offenses to the most serious charges, including homicide and sexual assault. Jacqueline’s experience and acumen in the courtroom has made her a sought-after lecturer, trainer, and speaker. She has organized and led countless skills-based and law trainings for criminal and civil practitioners, investigators, social workers, and judicial delegations from other countries. Learn more about Jacqueline here.
ABOUT BROWN, GOLDSTEIN & LEVY
Founded in 1982, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a law firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, with an office in Washington, DC. The firm is nationally recognized in a wide variety of practice areas, including complex civil and commercial litigation, civil rights, health care, family law, and criminal defense. Above all else, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a client-centered law firm that brings decades of experience and passionate, effective advocacy to your fight for justice.