Advanced Trial Advocacy: Trial Competition Team LAW-699

This course provides students a hands-on opportunity to explore what it means to present a client’s story to a jury in a persuasive, impactful, and authentic manner. Students will learn about the unique role trial attorneys have, the various challenges they face in presenting their client’s case, and how to overcome those challenges. Classes will focus on students developing foundational trial advocacy skills such as analyzing a set of facts for trial, developing cogent themes and theories, conducting direct and cross-examinations, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, using exhibits, and making objections based on the federal evidence code. These topics will be covered through lecture, demonstration, and participation by students. Students will put their skills as trial advocates to the test by competing at various tournaments across the nation against other law school trial advocacy teams with criminal and civil fact patterns.

Instructor: Rohan Garg