BarbriSFCourseDetails
  • videocam Live Online with Live Q&A
  • calendar_month December 2, 2025 @ 1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
  • signal_cellular_alt Intermediate
  • card_travel Real Property - Transactions
  • schedule 90 minutes

Defeating Reptilian Tactics in Construction Litigation

Responding to Reptile Techniques During Discovery, Deposition, Voir Dire, Opening Statement, Cross-Examination, Closing Argument

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$297.00
$252.45
Save $44.55

Discount expires 11/12/25

This course is $0 with these passes:

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Description

The infamous trial strategy called "reptile theory" has gained traction among the personal injury plaintiffs' bar and well-prepared defense counsel. The theory promotes the use of trial tactics appealing to the region of jurors' brains sensitive to safety as a tactic to gain an advantage at trial and recover sizable verdicts.

Reptilian tactics are frequently used in construction litigation. Defense attorneys must understand how to identify and combat reptilian tactics.

Listen as our authoritative panel discusses the use of reptilian tactics in construction litigation and how defense counsel can challenge these tactics to increase their client's chances of success.

Presented By

William S. Thomas
Co-Founder, Principal
Gausnell O’Keefe & Thomas, LLC

Mr. Thomas has tried more than 60 cases to verdict. His practice is diverse, with an emphasis in complex litigation. In addition to his trial practice, Mr. Thomas is actively involved in a number of professional organizations. He is a former president of the Lawyers Association of St. Louis, the local trial bar. He is active in the Defense Research Institute, (DRI), serving on its Products Liability Committee, and that committee’s Building Products and Power Tool Specialized Litigation Groups, where he has spoken at DRI conferences. He is active in the DRI’s Construction Committee, and Professional Liability Committee, where he serves on their Design Professional Subcommittees.

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Credit Information

  • This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.


  • Live Online


    On Demand

Date + Time

  • event

    Tuesday, December 2, 2025

  • schedule

    1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT

I. Reptilian tactics in litigation: explanation of theory and current trends in its use

II. Defense strategies during discovery and depositions

III. Pretrial strategies to limit or exclude the reptile theory

IV. Combating the reptile during trial

The panel will review these and other important issues:

  • What is the underlying basis for the strategy known as the "reptile theory"?
  • How are plaintiffs' attorneys leveraging reptile tactics in their cases?
  • How can defense attorneys spot and identify reptile tactics before they occur?
  • How can defense attorneys prepare for, defend, and counter the increasing use of reptilian tactics?