Bench Trials: When the Judge is a Jury of One - Federal Circuit Bar Association Bench & Bar Conference

Patrick Keane, shareholder in the firm's Intellectual Property section, co-moderated "Bench Trials: When the Judge is a Jury of One" for the 2025 Federal Circuit Bar Association Bench & Bar Conference. The panelists included

• The Honorable Clark Cheney, Chief Administrative Law Judge, U.S. International Trade Commission
• The Honorable Molly Silfen, Judge, United States Court of Federal Claims
• The Honorable Gregory Williams, District Judge, United States District Court for the District of Delaware
• Jessica C. Kaiser, Partner, Perkins Coie LLP

The panel explored bench trials, where judges serve as the sole arbiters of both fact and law, examining effective advocacy techniques across tribunals. Panelists addressed persuasive technical presentations, demonstratives, evaluation of witness credibility, and the best use of pre and post‐trial filings. The discussion highlighted practical insights to help litigators effectively communicate complex technical arguments to a judicial fact finder.