Answers
In a litigation, the answer gives the defendant its turn to weigh in on the events in question. Through the answer, the defendant makes explicit which issues are in dispute—responding to every allegation from the complaint— and may expand the issues at stake by asserting affirmative defenses, counterclaims, and cross-claims. Junior associates who understand the answer’s structure and strategy will be better equipped to assist their teams throughout the litigation lifecycle. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the answer: what it is, how it operates, how to draft it, and why it matters at every stage of a litigation.
Training outcomes
- Learn the typical elements and functions of answers in order to assist throughout the lifecycle of a litigation.
- Learn how to evaluate the relevant legal and strategic issues before drafting the answer.
- Learn how to draft an answer that responds fully and strategically to the complaint.
- Learn how an answer is properly filed and served, as well as amended and supplemented.
This looks great. I appreciate that the course covers the technical requirements and strategic considerations involved in drafting answers."
Sr. Manager of PD
Am Law 50 Firm
[This course] reinforces that answers require judgment and critical thinking and are not just a 'copy & paste' exercise. I also love the note about an associate's role in 'supervising' AI drafts."
Sr. Manager of PD
Am Law 50 Firm
Asserting the other side of the story
This course begins by identifying Next, it discusses The course then explains how an answer is filed and served. Finally, the course concludes with
Learn by making mistakes in realistic, no-stakes exercises
As is always the case with Praktio courses, learners learn not just through watching and listening to practical lessons and examples but also through doing —not to test, but to provide opportunities to apply and practice, while receiving
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In case you were wondering
- Overview
- Introduction
- Functions
- Timing
- Components
- Component Overview
- Caption & Introduction
- Responses to Allegations
- Affirmative Defenses
- Counterclaims & Cross-claims
- Demands
- Signature Block
- Supporting Documents
- Introduction
- Exhibits
- Verification
- Rule 7.1 Disclosure Statement
- Notice of Appearance
- Preparing to Draft
- Introduction
- Timing
- Pre-answer Motions
- Research
- Legal Research
- Fact Research
- Strategic Decisions
- Models
- Drafting
- Overview
- Responding to Complaint Allegations
- Basic Responses
- Qualified Responses
- Responses to Multiple Allegations
- Responses to "Non-allegations"
- Responses to References to Other Documents
- Response Format Options
- Affirmative Defenses
- Counterclaims & Cross-claims
- Demand for Relief
- Serving, Filing & Further Responses
- Serving & Filing
- Responding to the Answer
- Modifying the Answer
- Responding to an Amended Pleading
- Using the Answer
- Conclusion
CLE: Not currently available.
Duration: You will have 1 year from the date of purchase to access and complete your online course materials. On average, it takes about 2 hours to complete the whole course; however, learners get to decide how much time to spend on each exercise and module.
Accessing: Following checkout, you will receive an email providing you with access to your online course materials.
Compatibility: Please use Chrome on a PC or Mac computer.
Reference Materials: As part of this purchase, you will also an e-book (which you may download or print for your use and later reference).
We Don't Share Your Scores! Praktio does not share user performance data (e.g., "scores") with anyone, including employers (e.g., if you're an associate taking this training at a law firm). The only information shared with employers who purchase this training for their employees is progress data (e.g., how much of the course you have completed by when).