CLE Opportunity: Attorney-Directed Voir Dire CLE with Ben Gideon & Meryl Poulin

Voir dire is one of the most important stages of trial. It’s an attorney’s first chance to connect with jurors, uncover bias, and set the tone for the case. Yet in many courtrooms, voir dire remains limited, often led primarily by judges. Recognizing the importance of attorney engagement, the Maine State Bar Association and the Maine Trial Lawyers Association are presenting a new Attorney-Directed Voir Dire CLE workshop, offering 3.0 CLE credits.

Event Details

• Event: Attorney-Directed Voir Dire CLE Workshop
• When: Monday, October 20, 2025
  Registration: 8:45 AM | Program: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Where: York Judicial Center, 515 Elm Street, Biddeford ME
• Credits: 3.0 CLE
• Registration Link 

Gideon Asen Leading the Way

We’re proud to share that Ben Gideon and Meryl Poulin of Gideon Asen will play leading roles in this program.

• Ben Gideon has earned a reputation as one of Maine’s premier trial attorneys, with seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements in complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases.
• Meryl Poulin is a highly skilled trial lawyer recognized for her sharp advocacy and ability to connect with juries. She brings fresh, practical insight into how voir dire can be used effectively in today’s courts.

Together, Ben and Meryl will guide demonstrations and live exercises, showing how attorney-directed voir dire can move beyond perfunctory questioning to genuine dialogue with jurors.

What Attorneys Can Expect

This program is designed as a hands-on workshop, not a lecture. Participants will practice voir dire skills with guidance from Maine judges and trial lawyers, using facts drawn from real Superior Court cases. Topics will include:

• The expanding role of attorney-directed voir dire in Maine courts
• Effective techniques for framing questions and uncovering bias
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Workshop demonstrations led by Ben and Meryl, with practical feedback

Why It Matters

Attorney-directed voir dire is gaining traction in Maine, offering trial lawyers greater opportunities to shape their jury. But success requires preparation and skill. This CLE ensures participants leave with practical strategies they can use immediately in trial.

At Gideon Asen, we believe advocacy begins the moment you face the jury. We are honored that Ben and Meryl will help lead this important program and look forward to engaging with colleagues from across the state.