Program Begins
Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 8:45 AM

Registration
Friday, January 3, 2025 | 4–7 PM
Or Saturday, January 4 | 7:30–8:30 AM

Reception
Saturday after 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. After training ends on Tuesday, a conference on the final trials will be held that afternoon, and participants will be given time to prepare for their presentations the following day. Each participant will have a mock trial Wednesday morning or Wednesday afternoon and serve as a witness for other trial. At the conclusion of each mock trial, the judge will discuss and critique the trial with the participants. The course adjourns at the conclusion of the final trial.