What to Expect at the Mock Trial
Each Team will participate in two mock trials.
Each Trial Institute attendee will act as an advocate during one mock trial and will act as a witness during another mock trial. If an attendee is trying the case as an advocate in the morning, that attendee will act as a witness on the same side of the case in the afternoon. The same principle applies for the afternoon trials.
Each team will decide how to divide up assignments. When an attendee is acting as an advocate, each attendee will present either an opening statement or a closing argument (each trial team will consist of two advocates: one advocate will present the opening; the other advocate will present the closing). Each attendee will also conduct one direct examination and one cross examination.
During the second trial, everyone will switch roles. Each attendee who acted as an advocate during the morning trial will act as a witness for his/her fellow team members during the afternoon trials. And each attendee who acted as a witness during the morning trial will act as an advocate during the afternoon trial.
Reviews
Before I attended the trial training, I did not have any trial or arbitration experience. Three months after returning from this training, I had my first week long jury trial in federal court and won after a quick jury deliberation. Without this training, I would have been lost, and this training gave me the confidence I needed. In fact, the first chair attorney for my jury trial (who had plenty of prior trial experience) preferred to use the outline I had obtained in training for closing arguments instead of the one she normally uses. Although this training requires both time and work, it is completely worth it. The resources, coaches, and practice sessions are priceless and everything is so well-organized! I highly recommend it!
Nehal Anand, Shareholder, Littler, Houston, Texas
The Trial Institute was a fantastic experience. In the time since I attended the first Institute in the fall of 2017, I have recommended all of my co-workers attend when the program is put on again. It was perhaps the most intensive and beneficial lawyer training program I have ever attended.
Charles Delbridge. Associate, Nichols Kaster, PLLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Trial Institute is a fantastic opportunity to hone your trial skills. It's helpful both for those who have never had a trial and those with trial experience but who want to brush up on their skills and learn some new strategies.
Eric Bachman, Principal, Zuckerman Law, Chevy Chase, Maryland
I took away a ton of experience and insight from my participation in the Trial Institute. The small group format provided great opportunities to stand on my feet and practice those hard to get trial skills, coupled with real-time constructive feedback from experienced trial attorneys. Capping off the program was a mock trial in front of real judges, creating a very authentic experience. Definitely would recommend the Trial Institute to others looking to practice or just fine-tune their trial skills.
Gregory S. Chiarello, Partner, Outten & Golden LLP, New York, NY
Contact Rose Ashford, Associate Director with any questions and to request notification when registration is open.