The stereochemical outcome of the conjugate addition of a variety of stabilized nucleophiles (2-indoleacetic enolates and sulfur-stabilized anions) to the phenylglycinol-derived unsaturated lactams trans-2, cis-2, and its 8-ethyl-substituted analogue 10 is studied. The factors governing the exo or endo facial stereoselectivity are discussed. This methodology provides short synthetic routes to either cis- or trans-3,4-disubstituted enantiopure piperidines as well as efficient routes for the enantioselective construction of the tetracyclic ring system of uleine alkaloids, both in the normal and 20-epi series. The formal total synthesis of several alkaloids of this group is reported.