January 20, 2026

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is excited to invite you to our Second Annual Trial Advocacy Academy—a hands-on learning experience led by prosecutors, using a real case problem to teach practical and high-level courtroom advocacy. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to support students’ development as advocates.

Over February and March, seasoned prosecutors will guide law students through the process of presenting a compelling criminal prosecution, using a real case as the foundation. On February 7, students will review and learn the case problem, focusing on trial components including opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing arguments. The following week, students will return with their questions and materials to receive live feedback and coaching during practice sessions with these attorneys as they workshop their trial. Students will then compete in a preliminary round and, if selected, a final round before District Attorney Steele, First Assistant Ed McCann, and many other high-level prosecutors.

Key Information

• Location: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Norristown, PA
• Dates: 
  • 2/7/26, 9 am - 4 pm: Classroom teaching and case analysis.
  • 2/14/26, 9 am - 4pm: Continued classroom teaching, breakout sessions to practice and collaborate with coaches.
  • 3/14/26, 3/21/26: Preliminary competition round dates (students will only compete once in the preliminary round on a selected date).
  • 3/28/26: Final competition (top four 2L/3L teams and top four 1L opening statement finalists).
• Registration Deadline: February 1, 2026 
• Remote Students: Students who attend school a substantial distance from Norristown may inquire for zoom participation for the classroom components.

Who Can Participate & How It Works

• 2Ls and above: Full trial competition—students (in pairs) present a complete trial using a real case before senior level prosecutors, with prosecutors serving as defense counsel.
• 1Ls: Opening Statement Competition—1L’s will individually deliver opening statements using the same case before a jury of prosecutors.
• Lecture Only Option: Students may attend the training sessions and competitions without competing.

To register, please complete the 2026 Trial Advocacy Academy Registration form: https://bit.ly/Advocacy-Academy by February 1, 2026.