Session 2

Be a Lawyer in Court

What Happens in a Courtroom

In this unique, immersive two-week program, students will learn about case analysis, direct and cross-examination, admitting and using exhibits, and delivering opening statements and closing arguments, guided by experienced McGeorge School of Law faculty, and aided by members of the nationally ranked McGeorge Mock Trial Team.

Trial Advocacy offers high school students who are passionate about law, trial advocacy and social justice an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them for college and law school. Each interactive session will include learning by doing, practicing various trial skills using a simulated case file.

Curriculum

Students will become familiar with all aspects of a trial, including how to examine witnesses, how to give an opening statement and how to give a closing argument.

Students will perform skills in component parts. They will have an opportunity to practice each skill, receive feedback about how to improve it and implement that feedback in the next session. The program will culminate in a full trial.

law and jd students sitting in a lecture hall
Planned Topics

Students will conduct case analysis of a simulated case file, developing a case theory and theme. Trial skills drills will provide an opportunity to practice conducting direct and cross examination of witnesses. Students will learn how to effectively admit and use exhibits, and how to deliver persuasive opening statements and closing arguments.

Each skill will be practiced throughout the two week session. Students will receive feedback and suggestions for improvement. They will then be paired up and will present a case in a full trial at the end of the session.

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Erin O'Neal
Faculty Lead
Erin O'Neal

Associate Professor of Law & Public Policy, McGeorge School of Law
Director, Capital Center for Law & Policy 
Director, Capital Lawyering Concentration
Director, Justice Kennedy Learning Center
Director, 91成人导航 Legal Advantage

JD, Stanford Law School, 1997
BA, UCLA, 1993

As director of McGeorge School of Law鈥檚 Capital Center for Law & Policy and Capital Lawyering Concentration, Professor O鈥橬eal focuses on strategizing with those interested in government and policy, legislative work, lobbying and other careers in and around the Capitol. Professor O鈥橬eal combines her legislative and litigation experience to teach Capital Lawyering and Policymaking as well as Global Lawyering Skills. She works to provide in-depth instruction on persuasive written and oral advocacy in both the policymaking and courtroom arenas to prepare graduates to be practice ready as they begin their careers. 

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