Join us this fall for our exclusive 
National Advocacy Training Program

The American Inns of Court is pleased to offer a national training program for attorneys who are looking to develop or hone their trial advocacy skills.

Overview

The American Inns of Court National Advocacy Training Program (NATP) is an intensive two-and-a-half-day program sponsored by the American Inns of Court in conjunction with the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA) in London. The ICCA, established by the four Inns of Court in London, is comprised of leading barristers and judges who provide guidance and training in the pursuit of excellence in advocacy. The involvement of the ICCA makes this program unlike any other offered in the United States. It is through our close relationship with the Inns of Court in London that the American Inns of Court is able to offer this truly unique opportunity to our members and further our mission to inspire the legal community to advance the rule of law by achieving the highest level of professionalism through example, education, and mentoring. All participants will receive a certificate of completion. CLE credit will be applied for once registration has been finalized.

Methodology

Training is conducted in a courtroom setting with two small groups of eight participants. Two British barristers lead each group using the six-step Hampel method of advocacy training—a best practice adopted by the Bar of England and Wales. The training is based on a case set before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, involving the prosecution of a public figure for crimes against humanity under the substantive law and procedures of the court. The program features a mock trial and includes skills such as direct-examination, cross-examination, and opening and closing arguments, as well as a one-on-one video review session. Participants learn methods for dealing with a hostile witness, overcoming objections to the phrasing of questions, dealing with arguments over the exclusion of evidence, refreshing memory, and other "tools of advocacy."

Who Should Attend

The program is designed for attorneys who are looking to develop or hone their trial advocacy skills, generally within their first two to ten years of practice. Some attorneys who have been practicing longer but without the opportunity to argue in court may also find value in the program. All participants should feel comfortable working in a group and receiving critiques of their performances. The National Advocacy Training Program is eligible for at least 16 hours of CLE credits in most jurisdictions; applications will be made on a state-by-state basis once registration has been closed.

When

Session 1:

• Wednesday, September 12:  12:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, September 13: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 14:  8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

OR

Session 2:

• Sunday, September 16:  12:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Monday, September 17:  8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 18:  8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Where

Oblon, McClelland, Maier & Neustadt, LLP
1940 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(Oblon is near the "Old Town" area of Alexandria, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC)

Tuition

American Inns of Court members: $925*
Non-members: $1025 - Send us an email for registration assistance.

Full payment must be received within 10 business days of registration in order to finalize your participation; confirmation e-mails will be sent upon receipt. Cancellations made two weeks prior to the session date will be issued a full refund minus a $75 processing fee; no refunds will be issued for cancellations received after that two-week deadline.

* Financial assistance may be available to some members on a need basis. Send us an email. 

Travel and Hotel Accommodations

Participants are responsible for their travel and hotel accommodations. (A link for special NATP room rates is provided in your confirmation email.)