A common fact pattern will be used for the skill-building workshops and mock trials. Participants will be provided with the case materials in advance of the Boot Camp and will begin working with their Trial Teams before arriving at the Boot Camp to maximize the learning experience. The first two days of Trial Boot Camp include:
NELA
Empowering Workers' Rights Attorneys
Program-At-A-Glance
Workshops
Participants will meet with their designated Trial Teams and Leaders to refine trial techniques and perfect individual styles by participating in skill-building workshops.
Trial Team Huddles
Trial Boot Camp Advocates and Campers will prepare for the mock trials using the techniques and pointers discussed during the day’s lectures and workshops.
All times Eastern.
| Thursday, October 22 | |
| 8:15–9:30 a.m. | Drafting & Presenting Powerful Opening Statements Your opening statement is the first chance for your judge or jury to hear your client’s story. This session will take you through the process of drafting and presenting your opening statement, from developing a theory of the case to tips for the final presentation. |
| 10:00–11:15 a.m. | CONCURRENT SESSIONS |
| Trial Fundamentals: Mastering Evidentiary Rules & Objections This session will guide novice practitioners (or those who need a refresher) on the basics of admitting evidence into the record and the proper use of objections during trial. |
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| Intermediate Trial Skills: Motions in Limine Motions in limine are a crucial tool to set your case up for success before it even begins. Our experts will teach you how to identify potentially problematic evidence or testimony, draft a persuasive motion, and how to make your case for exclusion to the judge. |
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| 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Workshop: Developing a Case Theme During this workshop period trial teams will meet and practice the skills discussed during the opening statement plenary session. All Advocates should come prepared with their theory of the case, which they will present for feedback. |
| 1:15–2:00 p.m. | Workshop: Opening Statements During this workshop period trial teams will meet and practice the skills discussed during the opening statement plenary sessions. All Advocates should come prepared with 5 minutes of an opening statement for your case to present for feedback. |
| 2:15–3:30 p.m. | The Art of Examining Witnesses Witness testimony is often the most powerful part of any trial and mastering the art of examining witnesses can make (or break) your case. From preparing your own witnesses for direct to perfecting the art of cross examination, our experienced faculty will share their tips and best practices for making the most of witness testimony. |
| 4:00–4:45 p.m. | Workshop: Direct Exam During this workshop period trial teams will meet and practice the skills discussed during the witness examination plenary sessions. All Advocates should come prepared with a list of questions (either direct or cross as assigned) to moot with their trial team. |
| 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Trial Team Huddles Trial Boot Camp Advocates and Campers will meet with their designated Trial Teams and Leaders to prepare for the mock trials using the techniques and pointers discussed during the day’s lectures and workshops. |
| 6:00–6:45 p.m. | Reception |
Friday, October 23 |
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| 8:00–9:15 a.m. | The Last Word–Winning Closing Statements Trials are an exercise in storytelling, and your opening & closing statements are your chance to ensure jurors see the full story behind your case. Our experts will share their strategies for drafting powerful closing statements and demonstrate courtroom techniques to make the most of your time in front of the jury. |
| 9:30 –10:45 a.m. | CONCURRENT SESSIONS |
| Trial Fundamentals: Organizing Your Case Before Trial For practitioners preparing for their first trial or their hundredth, organization is key. This panel will share their methods for developing trial outlines, organizing discovery & exhibits, creating trial binders, and coming into trial prepared and organized. |
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| Intermediate Trial Skills: Selecting the Best Jury for Your Case Choosing the right jury for an employment trial is one of the most vital decisions a plaintiffs’ attorney can make. Our expert trial lawyers will discuss how to use practical tools to prepare for and conduct voir dire, ultimately selecting the right jury for your case. |
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| 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Workshop: Closing Statements During this workshop period trial teams will meet and practice the skills discussed during the opening & closing statement plenary sessions. All Advocates should come prepared with 5 minutes a closing statement to share with the group and receive critique. |
| 1:15–2:45 p.m. | Workshop: Powerful Cross Examination During this workshop period trial teams will meet and practice the skills discussed during the witness examination plenary sessions. All Advocates should come prepared with a list of questions (either direct or cross as assigned) to moot with their trial team. |
| 3:15–4:30 p.m. | Workshop: Final Thoughts The final workshop period will be a chance for trial teams to discuss how the skills they have learned over the past two days work cohesively to present a winning case. |
| 4:30–6:00 p.m. | Trial Team Huddles Trial Boot Camp Advocates and Campers will meet with their designated Trial Teams and Leaders to prepare for the mock trials using the techniques and pointers discussed during the day’s lectures and workshops. |
Saturday, October 24 |
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| 8:00–10:00 a.m. | Mock Trial I Trial Boot Camp Advocates and Campers will meet with their designated Trial Teams and Team Leaders for the first mock trial |
| 10:00–11:00 a.m. | Mock Trial I Evaluations Advocates and Campers will meet with their designated Trial Teams and Team Leaders for a critique of the first mock trial. |
| 12:00–2:00 p.m. | Mock Trial II Trial Boot Camp Advocates and Campers will meet with their designated Trial Teams and Team Leaders for the second mock trial. |
| 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Mock Trial II Evaluations Advocates and Campers will meet with their designated Trial Teams and Team Leaders for a critique of the second mock trial. |
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