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 Civil Trial Advocacy, Advanced Criminal Trial Advocacy, Advanced Trial Advocacy: Courtroom Technology & Advocacy and Advanced Trial Advocacy: Trials of the Century are a continuation of Introduction to Trial Advocacy. These courses are an advanced trial skills classes which teach students advanced trial skills; evidentiary issues; and case development. Students will perform exercises and develop case theories. In Advanced Trial Advocacy: Trials of the Century, students will analyze actual trial transcripts and exhibits, and movie vignettes of advocates from famous "Trials of the Century." In Advanced Trial Advocacy: Courtroom Technology & Advocacy, students learn how to litigate a full trial using only iPads and trial software to enhance the presentation of arguments and evidence during a trial. In Depositions, students will gain experience deposing real expert witnesses.