One of the most vexing dilemmas for new lawyers is the question of trial experience. How do new lawyers get it and how do more experienced lawyers provide it? 

For some new lawyers, getting inside a courtroom and actually trying a case may seem like a far-off dream as they wait for the opportunity. For others, they 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 next to 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 CBA offers a solution, the biannual Trial Advocacy Institute. The intensive weeklong program offers newer or inexperienced lawyers the opportunity to learn by doing. Participants receive a complete case file prepared by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. All week-long participants develop or hone real trial skills: opening statements, direct and cross examination of fact and expert witnesses, and closing arguments. In addition, the program features exercises on how to introduce evidence and when and how to object. The week culminates with an actual jury trial, presided over by a real judge. 

Presiding over all of this is a faculty of some of the most experienced trial lawyers in the Greater Cincinnati region. The participating faculty observe and critique each performance of the students following a teaching method honed by NITA. The critiques are designed to provide practical, constructive instruction that highlights what the students get right along with what they get wrong. In addition to providing coaching, faculty members demonstrate each task so that students can observe in a real way how more experienced lawyers approach the elements of a trial. 

This year’s case, Dixon v. Providential Life Insurance Company, concerns a judge who may or may not have died by suicide. The insurance company, believe it or not, doesn’t want to pay the widow’s claim. The insurance coverage dispute is the subject of the week-long exercise. At the end of the week, 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 week long program, coupled with the hands-on participation and guidance of experienced trial lawyers, there may not be better training available. Students routinely rave in evaluations about the benefits of the program. 

This year’s Institute takes place over six days, beginning on Friday, July 10 with a half-day introduction to the program and faculty. The sessions from July 13 to 17 are full days. The program will take place at the Potter Stewart United States Courthouse, with the Friday, July 17th trials taking place at The Hamilton County Courthouse. The Trial Advocacy Institute is available to CBA members for a cost of $795 and to non-members at a cost of $1,195. Some partial scholarships are available, and discounts are also available for firms sending more than one attorney. 

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. 

Jack Greiner is a partner at Faruki PLL and a leading authority on media law and First Amendment matters. He has represented clients in public records disputes, access to courts, open meeting cases and a variety of defamation cases. Jack is also an experienced commercial litigator, handling contract disputes for clients in state and federal courts in Ohio and elsewhere.