Annual Trial Advocacy Program - San Diego Inn of Court

Inn Programs

Annual College of Trial Advocacy
Trial Practice Program

The Fall Trial Practice Program consists of one evening lecture/demonstration session a week for five weeks interspersed with four hands-on workshops. Each week, a team of lecturers explain and demonstrate the mechanics of trial from jury selection to closing arguments, and every step in between.

Before the workshops, each student is paired with another student, one representing the plaintiff and the other the defendant. Students are given a factual scenario together with some deposition testimony and possible exhibits to work with throughout the course. A maximum of 6 students are assigned to each of 18 courtrooms, with each pair having one hour to try out for themselves what they learned in the lecture/demonstration.

This "hands-on" approach allows new trial lawyers to practice in an actual courtroom with experienced local judges and lawyers that assist in the training and provide insight. As a result, graduates can expect to exude confidence and professionalism when they return to court and try their actual cases.

Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)

The Fall College is approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education by the State Bar of California in the amount of 24 hours including 1 hour of legal ethics.

The San Diego Inn of Court certifies that these activities conform to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing Minimum Continuing Legal Education.

(link to Workshop on Evidence)