Sections of this course are taught by judges and experienced trial attorneys. This course provides a foundation for the development of the variety of skills necessary for effective trial advocacy no matter what the forum. Development of a theory of a case, file organization and pretrial preparation are emphasized, as well as the more traditional oral trial skills such as closing argument and cross-examination. Students regularly participate in exercises simulating segments of civil and criminal trials. This course cannot be taken for an S/U grade.

The Intensive Deposition Advocacy Program (IDAP) is a multi-part, full-immersion program, which will teach the skills of taking and defending a deposition. A deposition is an information gathering tool that is utilized during the course of litigation. In this ?learn by doing? course, you will have several short lectures, but the bulk of the course will be performance based. In other words, we will simulate the deposition setting and you will actually take and defend the deposition of a fact witness.

Moot Court Advisory Board members are typically third year students, selected by the outgoing Moot Court Board during the Spring semester. Board members are responsible for organizing, coaching, and developing the moot court program from year to year. The class is a year-long commitment. Moot Court Board Members select the upcoming year's moot court competitors and determine the teams. Each Board Member coaches a team, often for the same competition that the Board Member competed in during the prior year. The coach supports the team?s writing of the competition brief; provides feedback as competition rules allow; organizes and conducts rigorous oral argument practice for competition preparation; communicates with the board's Chief Justice about team progress/needs; works with law school staff to register the team and develop travel plans. Board Members organize the intramural competition in the Fall Semester and assist the Chief Justice of the Board in any additional duties. Board Members use their leadership, organizational, and analytical skills to continually improve this student run advocacy program.

Appellate Advocacy is a writing intensive course designed to teach the different components of appellate brief writing, as well as effective appellate oral advocacy. One or two case problems (depending upon the particular professor) are assigned throughout the semester, modeled after actual court cases. Students will be taught how to master the facts of a case, the rule of law applicable to the particular legal problem, and the policy underpinning the rule of law. Paramount goals of the course include professionalism and instructing students on clear, persuasive, organized, and strategic written and oral communication skills necessary for effective legal advocacy. While AA focuses on the appellate practice setting, the written and oral advocacy skills students will acquire are applicable to all settings of legal practice. Grading will be based on one or two appellate briefs, oral arguments, meaningful class participation and other assignments. This course cannot be taken for an S/U grade.