One of the most vexing dilemmas for young lawyers is the question of trial experience. How do young lawyers get it and how do more experienced lawyers provide it?
For some young lawyers, getting inside a courtroom and actually trying a case may seem like a far-off dream as they wait for the opportunity. Other young lawyers may get thrown in the metaphorical deep end with insufficient training. That is more of a nightmare.
For more experienced lawyers, the pressure of time and client demands may make it impossible to train the next generation. That makes it tough to hand over work, no matter how much the experienced lawyer wants to delegate.
Fortunately for all concerned, the Cincinnati Bar Association offers a solution: the biannual Trial Advocacy Institute. The week-long program offers younger lawyers the opportunity to learn by doing. Participants receive a complete case file prepared by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. All participants develop or hone real trial skills: creating opening statements, performing direct and cross examination of fact and expert witnesses, and giving closing arguments. In addition, the program features exercises on how to introduce evidence, and when and how to object. The program culminates with an actual jury trial, presided over by a real judge, at the end of the week.
Presiding over the proceedings is a faculty comprising some of the most experienced trial lawyers in the Greater Cincinnati region. The participating faculty observe and critique each student’s performance, following a teaching method honed by NITA. The critiques are designed to provide practical, constructive instruction that highlights what students get right along with what they get wrong. In addition to providing coaching, faculty members demonstrate each task so students can observe in a real way how more experienced lawyers approach the elements of a trial.
This year’s case, Ahmed v. Buckner and Cooper & Stewart, concerns an employee at an accounting firm who is denied partnership after her affair with her married boss sours. The employee’s discrimination suit is the subject of the week-long exercise. At the end of the trial, students will pair off and try the case under the watchful eye of a real judge. Typically, competitive juices flow, and outcomes vary. It is the closest thing to actual trial experience available.
Students come away from the week energized and filled with confidence in their abilities. Given the intensive nature of the program, coupled with the hands-on participation and guidance of experienced trial lawyers, a better training opportunity is hard to find. Year after year, students rave in evaluations about the benefits of the program.
This year’s program runs from July 25 to 29 and will take place in the Potter Stewart United States Courthouse. The Friday trials will take place at The Hamilton County Courthouse. The session is available to CBA members for a cost of $ 750 and to non-members at a cost of $995. Some scholarships are available.
Space in the program is limited, so we encourage signing up early. The evidence is clear: this is a bargain. So no objections! Sign up now at cincybar.org.
Greiner is a commercial litigator with an emphasis on communications and media law with Graydon.