The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2009.  Attendees may register at the Law School from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Friday, or from 7:30–8:30 a.m. on Saturday.  Attendees staying at Sponsors Hall may check in from 3:00 p.m. Friday or anytime on Saturday.  The initial reception will be held at Sponsors Hall at the Darden Business School at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

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 dedicated group of like-experienced lawyers, not to exceed eight members. Within the groups — each led by at least one experienced trial lawyer or judge from our faculty — each participant will study and perform every aspect of advocacy, i.e., opening statements, direct examination, cross-examination, examination of experts, introduction of exhibits, negotiation, and closing argument. Next, each group will learn and practice advocacy skills under the guidance of a different faculty member. While being videotaped, participants will take part in individual exercises, with accompanying group discussions and critique, designed to focus on particular advocacy skills.

Finally, the skill building and practice will culminate in participants conducting, as lead counsel, a live mock jury trial presided over by an experienced federal or state judge. At the conclusion of the mock trial, the judge will discuss and critique the trial with the participants.

Each day of the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 6:00 p.m.  On Tuesday, January 8, practice sessions will conclude early so that attendees may attend a social mixer with the second flight of faculty at 5:30 p.m.