National Institute for Trial Advocacy

How would you like to be trained by the trial lawyer equivalent of NBA all-stars? According to Henry Avery, that’s what NITA’s faculty was like when he attended our Building Trial Skills course in Seattle this past summer. We were honored to support Henry in his advocacy skills development and in becoming an all-star himself for his clients. The doors for the 2025 Seattle program are now open: click to register https://lnkd.in/e9f54mzU And P.S., Seattle is the perfect escape from infernal summer heat. 

The wish to leave the world a better place has long inspired people to attend law school and make a difference in the important ways only trial lawyers can. According to NITA Trustee Angela Vigil and Program Director Henry Su, pro bono publico provides an opportunity both to help those in need of legal counsel and to develop one’s oral advocacy skills. In this episode recognizing both this week's National Celebration of Pro Bono and the fifth anniversary of May the Record Reflect, Angela and Henry discuss a lawyer’s professional responsibilities, the advocacy skillset that pro bono work develops, and how to find pro bono opportunities. They also reveal their favorite tips, common mistakes they see in depositions and trials, and qualities embodied by courtroom superstars.

Congratulations to NITA authors Steven Lubet and Jill Koster on the publication of their new edition of “Mock Trials: Preparing, Presenting, and WINNING Your Case”! Whether you lead a law school, college, or high school mock trial team or are a NITA Program Director, you’ll find that “Mock Trials” is an indispensable resource that walks you through the entire process of trial competition, from case preparation and research to the rules of evidence and procedure, communication skills, and pretrial motions. You will learn how to examine your witnesses, raise evidentiary objections, introduce exhibits, and cross-examine opposing witnesses, including experts, serve as an effective witness, and prepare witnesses to testify at trial. Bravo on a job well done, Steven and Jill! https://lnkd.in/ePzbTYyJ

✨CULTIVATE EXCELLENCE✨ Last week, I had the honor and privilege of completing the National Institute for Trial Advocacy’s Teacher Training program. It was an intensive, invitation-only program that trains participants in how to most effectively teach trial advocacy. I love trial (really, love it. A lot.) but I love teaching even more. To be surrounded and taught by brilliant trial lawyers, all invested in the excellence of our craft, was, well… incredible. In addition to leveling up my teaching, it gave me unparalleled insight into the student experience. It’s been a while since I’ve sat in that seat, and I came away with a greater appreciation for what it takes to show up as an adult learner, ready to risk failure and embarrassment in the name of progress. As one of our esteemed faculty said, “The only way the turtle progresses is by sticking her neck out.” GOLD. I made friends and grew with my fellow participants, and was inspired by our teachers - their brilliance, their humility, their joy. And to be so wholly accepted and supported by them was marvelous validation of my own expertise (sometimes you need a friend’s help to slay impostor syndrome!), and community at its finest. Better advocacy for a better world. LET’S GO! Thank you, NITA! I’m so lucky and grateful! #levelup #trialadvocacy #triallawyers #ownyourexcellence #investinyourself #teacher

NITA will be in Los Angeles to hold its world-class Deposition Skills and Trial Skills program in February. If you would like to receive 1:1 and small-group training from some of the best litigators and trial lawyers in the country, click the link in our bio to visit our website. The doors for registration are open now! https://lnkd.in/e7Ss2RaX

Join us in congratulating Jennifer Schneider on an incredible 11-year journey with NITA! From her very first day to now, Jennifer's dedication, leadership, and passion have been at the heart of everything we do. She’s helped shape NITA into the thriving company it is today, and her impact is truly immeasurable. Thank you, Jen, for your unwavering commitment and for inspiring us all with your hard work and vision! Here's to many more years of success together.

Lowenstein’s Markiana Julceus shares with Law.com how the National Institute for Trial Advocacy's “Women in Trial” program boosted her confidence, helping her develop her own trial style and feel validated by the experience of top women in the field. Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4ggmJ6t Read Markiana’s bio: https://lnkd.in/eAm7jfGq #womeninlaw #womeninbusiness #diversityequityinclusion #whitecollar #lawyers

This is another excellent example of an NLJ500 law firm, Lowenstein Sandler LLP invests in its attorneys' professional development. This time, the firm sent one of its attorneys to a course that is open to the public. To see a complete calendar of 2024 and 2025 NITA programs, visit our website at www.nita.org/calendar.

What a great example of how firms like Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP supplement their professional development curriculum with NITA's trial skills training. We are pleased that Victoria benefited from our training, and we know that the other attorneys at Munger did as well. Learn more about how to bring NITA programs to your firm or organization at https://lnkd.in/eAkium6R.

One of the concepts NITA teaches trial lawyers is the idea of "cross to close," or knowing what you need your cross to produce so you can carry it into closing argument. In this free one-hour webcast, seasoned trial attorneys Lori Keeton and Elizabeth G. discuss how the "to close" principle is actually true for all stages of trial, whether its pretrial motions, open, or direct “to close.” Register now to learn how to begin with the end and structure your entire trial preparation around your closing argument. https://lnkd.in/ew_xNFxR