Join us for this unique oral advocacy training.
The American Inns of Court is pleased to offer training for attorneys who are looking to develop or hone their oral advocacy skills. This is intensive, highly-personalized professional development delivered through the lens of trial advocacy. It requires commitment, an open mind, the acceptance of personalized critique, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Questions? Ready to register?
Please contact Libby Bingham by email or at (571) 319-4712.
Overview
The American Inns of Court National Advocacy Training Program (NATP) is an intensive training 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. Because of our close relationship with the Inns of Court in London, the American Inns of Court is able to offer this truly unique opportunity for highly personalized professional development.
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Methodology
Training is conducted in a courtroom setting, specifically the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The program will be able to accommodate 32 participants split into two sessions; each session will consist of two groups of eight. The facilitators will be British judges or barristers; two will lead each group using a modified version of the six-step Hampel method of advocacy training—a best practice adopted by the Bar of England and Wales. In order to level the experience playing field, the training is based on a case set before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
The program features aspects of a mock trial such as direct and cross-examination, and opening and closing arguments. Oral presentation and advocacy skills are reinforced through immediate, personal feedback, and observation of the other group members' critiques. While learning methods for witness handling, effective ways to phrase questions, refreshing memory, and other "tools of advocacy," the emphasis is on finding or developing personal presentation styles, preparation skills and methods for effectively interacting with the bench and with witnesses.
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Who Should Attend
The program is designed for attorneys who are looking to develop or hone their courtroom presentation skills, generally within two to ten years of practice. 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 public critiques of their performances. The NATP is available to active Inn members, Inn alumni and non-member attorneys.
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When
- Wednesday, October 23, 2024 (8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET)
- Thursday, October 24, 2024 (8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET)
Participants must plan on attending both full days of training; please be sure your travel plans will not require you to miss any part of the training. The first day of the session includes an evening welcome reception, as well.
Once registered, participants will be given access to online on-demand content to help them prepare for the program. Each section will be comprised of a performance, feedback and then a replay; some sessions will also include a video review. There is homework to prepare for the second day.
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Tuition
Active Inn of Court Members: $995*
Inn of Court Alumni: $1095
Non-Member Attorneys: $1195
Tuition must be received at the time of registration, or, upon request, no later than 10 business days after registration, in order to finalize participation; confirmation e-mails will be sent upon receipt.
If you need to cancel your participation in the program for any reason, notice must be received in writing (email) no later than September 15. Cancellations received on or prior to September 15 will receive a refund for fees paid minus a $75 processing fee; those received after September 15 will not receive any refund.
*Some American Inn of Court members may be eligible for the Tim Coleman Scholarship ; applications are due July 15 and notifications made in August.
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Continuing Legal Education
When registration has closed, the program will be submitted for CLE approval from the participants’ state jurisdictions; approval is generally granted in advance of the program. (Late applicants may not find out until after the program is over if they are from a jurisdiction that had not already been approved.)
- All participants will receive a certificate of completion, along with whatever other information is requested by the jurisdiction, or whatever an attorney may need to self-report.
- The program is eligible for at least 12–14 general CLE credits in most jurisdictions. Participants who want to receive CLE credit are encouraged to apply ASAP so we can ensure enough time to get the program approved.
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