Preparation

Prior to Arriving

• Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the materials before you arrive. Skimming them the night before will put you at a great disadvantage in your small groups.

• Try to set expectations with your firm, colleagues, clients, and others that for the time you are here, you will be almost entirely consumed with College issues. You will work hard in your small groups and in the final trial, and the harder you work, the more you will get out of the experience. To the extent possible, resist the temptation to bring client files or other work with you: there isn't enough time to both prepare for small group sessions and engage deeply in office tasks.

• Download the Rogers case file from the MATERIALS tab. This case file will be used in your small groups and by the faculty for plenary demonstrations. 

• Study the Rogers case file carefully, as you will be performing as counsel for the parties in this case.

• Prepare an opening statement of approximately 10–15 minutes in length, based on your assignment as Plaintiff's or Defendant's counsel, which was emailed to you. We realize that we are asking you to prepare prior to teaching you how to do it. You needn't do any research on your own about openings, nor should you stress about the assignment: do the best you can. The most important thing about the assignment is that you will be familiar with the facts of the case from the moment you arrive.