2011 Fall Litigation Institute

The Fall Litigation Institute is a hands-on, crash course in trial skills open to all second- and third-year law students. Initially designed as a small short course for 20-30 students working with five or six instructors, the Fall Litigation Institute has become one of the most popular events hosted by the Advocacy Program and now includes over 160 student participants and twelve instructors.

Students of all experience levels are encouraged to attend as this program offers an excellent opportunity to learn new skills or hone existing ones. Students work directly with UT Law's interscholastic mock trial coaches and instructors and will learn everything they need to know to successfully compete in a mock trial competition. Even students not interested in competing, but currently enrolled in advocacy courses, will find this program a useful complement to their coursework.

Schedule and Topics

September 9th: Opening Statements - Capturing your Audience through Storytelling

September 16th: Closing Statements - Sealing the Deal with Passionate Persuasion

September 23rd: Direct Examinations - Getting it Right and Getting it in the Record

September 30th: Cross-Examinations - Credibility in the Courtroom

October 7th: Make-up Day -- Sessions 1-4 repeated

The sessions take place from 12:00-2:30 p.m. Lunch is provided from 12:00-12:30, the 30-minute group lecture begins at 12:30, and students work in their small group sections from 1:00-2:30. An informational meeting will be held on August 26th at 1:00 p.m. in TNH 3.140. Registration for the 2011 Fall Litigation Institute begins at the informational meeting and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6th.

Information regarding registration for the Fall Litigation Institute will be distributed via Advocacy Law Mail. Contact Cheryl Brandt for additional information about the Fall Litigation Institute and other advocacy programs.