2010 Texas Trial Academy

June 7-10, 2010

University of Texas School of Law

A joint effort of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Texas Access to Justice Commission

The Academy will be a four-day intensive trial advocacy skills training presented by faculty of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.

Hosted at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, the training will include live demonstrations of courtroom trial skills by experienced litigators who have distinguished themselves as some of the top trial lawyers in the country. Following each day's demonstration, participants in the Academy will have the opportunity to practice their skills and receive personalized professional critiques designed to develop and refine trial techniques. Topics will include voir dire, opening statement, direct and cross-examination and closing arguments.

In advance of the training, students will be provided a case to prepare for all phases of a jury trial, according to the specifications in the training materials.

This training is paid for in full by the Texas Access to Justice Commission and is open to staff attorneys of nonprofit organizations providing free legal services to low-income Texans.  The ideal participants are those attorneys who have 2 to 4 years of experience, although others may be considered.  

Students selected to participate in the 2010 Texas Trial Academy will be expected to arrive in Austin by the start of the Trial Academy on Monday, June 7 at 1:30 PM, and be prepared to stay until 6:00 PM on Thursday June 10.  Classes will end each day at approximately 5:30 PM, however, students may be required to individually prepare in the evening for the next day's training.

Hotel accommodations will be provided for students living outside of Austin.  Reasonable expenses for any meals and/or travel expenses that are not included with the training program will be reimbursed, upon receipt of actual itemized receipts.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Hannah Silk Kapasi at Texas Lawyers Care, 512-427-1895 or hkapasi@texasbar.com.