
Michael P. Heiskell is the owner of the firm Johnson Vaughn & Heiskell in the Fort Worth/Dallas area. As a former state and federal prosecutor his practice focuses of criminal defense-primarily white collar. He also represents civil rights litigants. Michael is past President of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Galveston County Young Lawyers Association. He is former Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Northern District of Texas and Trustee of the Bar Foundation. In 2015 he was elected to the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association’s Hall of Fame.
In 2020 he was selected as the recipient of The Blackstone Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member of the Tarrant County Bar Association. Michael is a graduate of Baylor University and the Baylor University School of Law.
Featured Products
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Cross-Examination Trial Pack
NACDL’s new Cross-Examination Trial Pack includes three of our best-selling Cross-Examination resources: “Damage Control: Situational Cross-Examination Techniques Trial Guide”, "Ultimate Cross 2.0: Audio Recordings & Written Materials" and "Sample Cross-Examination Questions."
This masterful collection of cross-examination resources provide countless tips, techniques and strategies for a variety of criminal case-specific scenarios. Learn to cross-examine a variety of trial witnesses!
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Death Investigation: Forensic Pathology in the Courtroom and Cause & Manner of Death (2022)
This unique program provides criminal defense lawyers with an accurate and clear overview of forensic pathology and the countless factors to consider in a death investigation and will methodically explain what happens during an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.
You'll uncover the different types of medicolegal death investigations, what to request from your MDI expert, quality benchmarks for accreditation and certification, guidelines and standards, common terminology and frequently asked questions.
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The Psychology of Persuasion & Storytelling for Criminal Defense Lawyers
This Trial Resource Guide is a masterful collection of practical tips, techniques and strategies focused solely on using the arts and sciences of persuasion to improve your storytelling skills at trial.
You'll learn how to master the ability to communicate with juries, deliver powerful openings and closings, perform convincing cross-examinations, use effective courtroom choreography and non-verbal communication, identify and develop the optimal theme and theory for your case, and offer compelling arguments during mitigation and sentencing.
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Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault & Child Victims Cases (2022)
Defending charges of sexual assault and child abuse can be daunting — but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be.
Every year, NACDL identifies the hottest topics and most pressing issues when defending these cases, and brings-in nationally-renowned lawyers and experts to help you prepare for battle. This year’s 13th Annual Defending Sex Cases training program is our best yet; packed with topics and speakers you won’t want to miss!