Program Begins Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 8:45 AM

Registration Friday, January 5, 2024 | 4–7 PM
Or Saturday, January 6 | 7:30–8:30 AM

Receptions will be held at the Law School
Saturday and Monday at the conclusion of the day's classes

Lectures and Demonstrations

First, all participants will attend daily live lectures and demonstrations by some of the finest speakers and lawyers in the country. In addition, from the beginning of the program, each participant will be assigned to a small group of like-experienced lawyers. Within the groups — individually led by at least one experienced trial lawyer or judge from our faculty — each participant will study and perform every aspect of trial advocacy: opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination, and closing argument.

Skills Practice

Next, each group will learn and practice advocacy skills under the guidance of a different faculty member. Participants will take part in individual exercises, with accompanying group discussions and critique, designed to focus on particular advocacy skills.

Mock Trial

Finally, the skill building and practice will culminate in participants conducting, as lead counsel, a live mock trial typically presided over by an experienced federal or state court judge. At the conclusion of the mock trial, the judge will discuss and critique the trial with the participants. Attendees will have the evenings to prepare for their presentations the following day. Training will end on Tuesday, and a conference on the final trials will be held that afternoon. Wednesday morning is devoted to final trial preparation. Each attendee will then have a mock trial Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning, and serve as a witness for other trials on his or her non-trial day. The course adjourns at the conclusion of the final trial.