Defenders' Academy: Spring Training 2012
Five-Day Intensive Trial Training Program
Saturday, May 19 - Wednesday, May 23
Columbia Law School
We believe that the best way to learn is by "doing" and getting immediate feedback. The five-day program covers all of the essential trial skills--conducting voir dire, delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross examinations of lay and expert witnesses, and handling evidentiary issues and objections--with a focus on both substance and style. Participants attend lectures and watch demonstrations for each skill area, and then break out into small groups to get on their feet and apply what they have learned. The case problems are based on the types of civil and criminal matters that we handle at The Bronx Defenders, providing engaging material with which to learn universally applicable trial skills that transcend any specific practice area.
Our faculty members--experienced litigators, jurists and teachers from all over the country--deliver the lectures, perform the demonstrations, and supervise the breakout groups. What makes Defenders' Academy truly unique is that, in addition to the legal faculty, break out groups include actors, voice coaches, and storytellers, who provide feedback on body language, use of voice, the construction of a persuasive narrative, and other aspects of performance and presentation. Each participant also has the opportunity to review a videotape of his or her work one-on-one with a faculty member.
CLE CREDITS are available to all participants who complete the program.
The Defender Academy Spring Training offers different rates for public interest attorneys and private attorneys. We also offer groups rates at a further discount.
Individual tuition:
Public Defenders/Nonprofit Attorneys: $1,000
Private Attorneys: $2,000
Group rates:
Public Defenders/Nonprofit Attorneys: Three attorneys from one organization: $2,500
Private attorneys: Three attorneys from one firm: $5,500
We are willing to discuss rates for larger groups.
Click here to register.
Continental breakfast and afternoon refreshments are available each day. Participants will have a chance to meet the faculty at an informal pizza party during the program.
What will this program cover? How is it different from other “trial skills” programs?
There are many trial-training programs out there, but none offers the unique mix of content and skills training that the Defender Academy Spring Training does.
-Two concurrent case examples that reflect the emerging need for a holistic approach to defense work: We cannot afford to look only to just the criminal case or just the family court case. More and more, we as attorneys are asked to look at the bigger picture and the collateral consequences of clients’ cases. In this program, participants will work with just such a case.
-A focus on classic litigation skills for attorneys across disciplines: Our topics include voir dire, direct and cross-examination techniques, a review of the basics of objections, and delivering a powerful opening and closing argument. In addition, attorneys who practice in family court will focus on preparing for an effective 1028 hearing.
-A substantial emphasis on the performance aspect of trial work: While many programs provide “trials skills training” few address the finer points of courtroom advocacy. In this program, participants will work with storytellers, voice coaches, and actors to enhance their presence in the courtroom and the efficacy of their oral advocacy.
What can I expect from my participation in this program?
-Participants in The Defenders’ Academy will hear lectures from our experienced faculty in a large group setting and then moot their skills and get individualized feedback in small breakout session.
-In addition to feedback from experienced trial attorneys, each participant will also receive individualized coaching from professional storytellers, voice coaches, and actors.
-Each participant will have his or her presentations recorded for feedback with an expert trainer.
-Our faculty will perform demonstrations of each skill to model for participants, while inviting discussion about the approach taken.
Click here to register.
Defenders' Academy participants receive a discount rate at Aloft Harlem Hotel. Please visit Aloft Harlem or call 1-866-921-2995 for more information. Group name: Defenders' Academy Spring Training 2012. Group code: BRONX.
Please contact Karen Smolar at 718-838-7893 or karens@bronxdefenders.org for more information about the program or payment.