Practice with Practitioners

Students may take Pretrial Advocacy and Trial Advocacy courses from experienced trial lawyers who introduce them to the real world of litigation. These distinguished trial lawyers teach effective trial techniques by providing live demonstrations relating to jury selection, opening and closing statements, and direct and cross-examination of lay and expert witnesses. Students then conduct these portions of the trial, receiving critiques and video reviews. Students also learn how computer technology is used to create and introduce state-of-the-art trial exhibits that will enhance the presentation of evidence at trial.

Pre-Trial and Trial Program

In Pretrial Advocacy, students learn all aspects of the pretrial preparation phase. They learn how to interview a client, plan pretrial investigation, identify and retain experts, and draft pleadings and motions. Students also learn how to develop the cornerstone of any successful litigation strategy: a theory of the case. Pretrial Advocacy also covers deposition strategies.

Introduction to Trial Advocacy ends with a capstone experience: each student will litigate a full trial, where they conduct opening statements, direct and cross examination and closing arguments.

Advanced Trial Advocacy Courses

Depositions, Advanced Trial Advocacy: Law & Medicine, and Advanced Trial Advocacy: Advanced Courtroom Technique are a continuation of Introduction to Trial Advocacy. These courses are advanced trial skills classes which teach students sophisticated trial techniques, evidentiary issues, and case development. Students will perform exercises and develop case theories. In Advanced Trial Advocacy: Law & Medicine, students analyze medical malpractice cases from both legal and medical perspectives, working alongside law and medical students. In Advanced Trial Advocacy: Advanced Courtroom Technique, students learn advanced concepts and techniques related to trial advocacy, including use of courtroom technology, maximizing the impact of exhibits, advanced examination of expert witnesses, and performance skills, with each simulation exercise including student performance and individualized feedback from peers and the instructor. In Depositions, students gain experience deposing real expert witnesses.