Attorneys who attend Cross Examination: The Trial Attorney’s Superpower will gain practical tools to transform one of the most challenging aspects of trial into their most effective advocacy skill. This program explores the constitutional foundations of cross-examination, its role in testing credibility and exposing bias, and the techniques that make questioning purposeful and persuasive. Participants will learn how to prepare strategically, set clear goals for each witness, and use cross to elicit favorable facts, secure admissions, or discredit testimony in ways that advance their case theory. Drawing from key Supreme Court precedent and trial-tested methods, this CLE will sharpen your ability to plan, execute, and control cross-examination so that it becomes a powerful weapon in your courtroom arsenal.

Megan Thomas
Public Defender
Alexandria Public Defender's Office
 

Megan Thomas is the Chief Public Defender for the City of Alexandria. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida in 1999 and magna cum laude from Catholic University, Columbus School of Law, in 2002. She joined the PD’s office in 2003 after clerking for a judge for a year in the District of Columbia and became the head of the office in 2022. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and handles a mixed felony docket in addition to the logistics of handling both the city and state budgets, supervising attorneys and managing the day to day operation of the office. As a PD, she has handled hundreds of cases ranging from DWI to 1st degree murder. Megan left the PD’s office in 2009 to spend time with her family. In 2012, she returned to criminal defense with the law firm King, Campbell & Poretz, at which time she handled criminal defense cases in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William County, including several high-profile cases. In 2016, she returned to the PD’s office and became Deputy in 2019. She became the head of the office in 2022. She loves everything about being a PD and is always excited to talk about the world’s best job!