What to Expect at the 2026 Symposium
Attorneys from across Alabama gather early each year at the Alabama Association for Justice (ALAJ) Winter Summit for one of the conference’s most anticipated events: the Cusimano Symposium.
For decades, the Symposium has drawn trial lawyers eager to elevate their craft, sharpen their advocacy, and learn directly from some of the most respected minds in the profession. The 2026 program, much like Gregory S. Cusimano himself, promises to continue that tradition of excellence.
A Premier Look at the Principles of Persuasion
Scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, this year’s Symposium centers on a theme at the heart of every successful trial strategy: Principles of Persuasion. Inspired by Cusimano’s recently published book, Seeds for Success: Principles of Persuasion, the program will explore the science behind how people think, decide, trust, and connect. These insights are essential to any advocate seeking to communicate more effectively in the courtroom or at the negotiating table.
Attendees will benefit from sessions led by top trial lawyers, each offering practical guidance, real-world experience, and actionable techniques for strengthening persuasion skills.
Highlights From Past Cusimano Symposiums
Throughout its history, trial attorneys and other legal professionals at all stages of their careers have gained invaluable knowledge and experience by attending this ALAJ Symposium. Rave review after rave review highlights the program’s impact on not only the practice but on the understanding of law as it relates to successful advocacy.
In 2024, presenters included trucking titan Joe Fried, the distinguished Carl Solomon, and the cowboy counselor, Sach D. Oliver. Their talks focused on the power of strategic depositions and effective communication with your clients.
Presenting speakers at past Symposiums have featured David A. Wenner, an authority on jury bias and decision-making like Cusimano. Other notable speakers include legendary attorney Russ Herman, renowned advocate John F. Romano, preeminent injury lawyer Robyn Wishart, Alabama’s own Alabama’s own David Marsh of Marsh, Rickard, and Bryan, and many more.
Early Registration Benefits
The Cusimano Symposium consistently draws a large and engaged audience—early registration helps organizers prepare for an outstanding, widely attended event.
If you’re planning to join this year’s program, don’t wait until January. Reserve your place now to ensure access to one of the Winter Summit’s most valuable sessions.
About Gregory S. Cusimano
Our firm is continually awed and humbled by the Symposium’s honoree: a nationally respected trial lawyer, author, and strategist whose work has shaped modern advocacy.
Besides being an owner of Cusimano, Roberts, Mills & Knowlton, LLC, in Gadsden, Alabama, Greg S. Cusimano is also an owner of the national consulting firm Winning Works LLC. His 2025 book, Seeds for Success: Proven Principles of Persuasion, provides the intellectual foundation for this year’s Symposium theme, offering a research-driven look at how cognitive science and storytelling influence human decision-making.
Throughout his distinguished career, Cusimano has concentrated his practice on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. He is a sought-after speaker at CLE programs nationwide and has twice served as the plenary speaker for the Alabama State Bar Annual Meeting. His leadership includes service on AAJ’s Executive Committee and Budget Committee, and he co-developed the influential Jury Bias Model™ with David Wenner—an innovation widely credited with transforming trial strategy.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Cusimano Symposium
- Research-backed persuasion strategies
- Insights from leading trial lawyers
- Real-world advocacy techniques
- Drawings for books, including the two-volume Alabama Tort Law by our firm’s own Mike Roberts
- Foundations from Seeds for Success
- CLE credit and professional development
Join Us for a Can’t-Miss 2026 Program
The Greg Cusimano Symposium remains a cornerstone of the Winter Summit. You don’t want to miss this extraordinary opportunity to learn, reflect, and refine the art of advocacy.
Secure your spot today and be part of another exceptional year. Registration is open now.
