Join
My BHBA+
My BHBA+
Store
Criminal Law

Lessons from Villarreal v. Texas: Defendant Testimony, Witness Preparation, and

Lessons from Villarreal v. Texas: Defendant Testimony, Witness Preparation, and

$45

Free for Most Members Join first, then login to BHBA+ to access this series.
According to our records, you are a Array and qualify for unlimited, free CLE OnDemand.
Add to watchlist
View watchlist
Lessons from Villarreal v. Texas: Defendant Testimony, Witness Preparation, and
About the Program

Join a panel for a discussion of the strategic and ethical issues that arise when a defendant testifies and faces cross-examination in a criminal trial. This program will begin with a high-level overview of the Supreme Court’s recent opinion in Villarreal v. Texas and its key holdings. It will then turn to practical decisions facing criminal practitioners: whether a defendant should testify, how to prepare a client effectively without crossing the line into coaching, and how to help a client withstand cross-examination by the prosecutor.

Although rooted in criminal practice, the discussion will also address witness preparation, attorney-client consultation, and cross-examination principles that broadly resonate across trial practice. Whether you are defending a client, cross-examining a witness, or preparing a witness to face aggressive questioning, this session will offer experience-driven insights into one of the most demanding skills in the courtroom.

Speaker(s)
Cassie D. Palmer
Cassie D. Palmer

|

Kendall, Brill & Kelly

Cassie D. Palmer is a partner at Kendall, Brill & Kelly and a former senior federal prosecutor with more than 15 years of litigation experience. She served over a decade in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, leading the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and serving as co-lead counsel in the sweeping City Hall corruption investigation that produced more than ten convictions. She was named the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s 2025 Prosecutor of the Year and clerked for the Honorable Arthur L. Alarcón of the Ninth Circuit.

... Read more
Michael Freedman
Michael G. Freedman

|

Partner, The Freedman Firm PC

Michael G. Freedman, Principal and Founder of the Freedman Firm, is an experienced trial attorney and former federal prosecutor who represents individuals and companies nationwide against all types of criminal charges and in high-stakes civil litigation and appeals. His clients, who often include executives, doctors, lawyers, celebrities, politicians and government officials, entrepreneurs, and cannabis companies, benefit from his courtroom skills, strategic guidance, and ability to discreetly navigate and successfully resolve the most challenging matters. Since founding the Firm in 2021, Freedman has avoided federal charges for dozens of clients, won the dismissal of numerous criminal charges even after filed, and has defeated criminal charges at trial, including winning an acquittal in the Southern District of New York and an acquittal of an attorney charged with criminal contempt.

... Read more
Accreditation
Credit Hours:
1.00
Specialty Area:
Criminal Law
Credit Type:
General
Original Air Date:
May 7, 2026
Accredited in:
California

You may be able to self apply for credits in states not listed. Email for accreditation information in your state.

You May Also Like

Watch any CLE and your certificate is automatically emailed to you within minutes and is also stored in your BHBA+ profile for easy access. Login to BHBA+ and effortlessly visualize your CLE credits, monitor deadlines, and stay ahead of your compliance requirements with our intuitive progress tracking. Stream all CLEs on your phone, tablet, and computer when and where they fit your schedule.

This program is free for members at the Sustainer or higher level and OnDemand subscribers. Economy members pay the full rate. Join first, then login to BHBA+ to access this program.

Award-Winning. Nationally Recognized. Always Relevant.

The Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA) is an award-winning leader in continuing legal education. Designed by experts from 45 sections, BHBA CLEs go beyond the standard check-the-box format. Each program delivers timely, relevant, and practical insights on today’s most pressing legal issues—giving you a real edge in your practice. With over 1,000 multi-state accredited CLEs spanning dozens of practice areas, BHBA offers engaging programs delivered by top legal experts from across the country. Whether live, OnDemand, or via podcast, you can watch or listen whenever—and wherever—it works for you.

Track your credits automatically with a personalized dashboard that lets you monitor progress, view deadlines, and access certificates—all in one place.

Built for lawyers, by lawyers, to keep you ahead.