ACTL Trial Advocacy Programs

ACTL Trial Advocacy Programs

Program Type: Training program (tuition-free)

Amount: No tuition charge

Purpose: Develop excellence in trial advocacy and train the next generation of excellent, ethical trial lawyers. Programs emphasize learning by watching and learning by doing in simulated courtroom settings.

Program Goals:

Foster excellence in advocacy

Train the next generation of excellent, ethical trial lawyers

Develop increased trust, belief, and confidence in the civil justice system

Geographic Scope: National (held in various locations)

Eligibility:

Open to all litigating attorneys seeking to develop or improve courtroom skills

Attorneys with public interest trial focus (civil, criminal, or administrative) strongly encouraged

Private practice attorneys equally welcome

Program emphasizes diversity and inclusion

Limited to 50 participants per program; first-come, first-served basis with waitlist

What's Included:

Faculty demonstrations

Guided discussion

Performing exercises and drills

Constructive, positive faculty critique

Final culminating activity: teams of two try case from case file

Detailed segment schedule and case file distributed in advance

Faculty:

Fellows of ACTL who volunteer their time

Cover their own travel expenses

Organized By: ACTL Teaching of Trial and Appellate Advocacy Committee

Hosted By: Sponsoring law firms

Recent/Upcoming Programs:

8th Program: August 21-23, 2026, Chicago, Illinois (hosted by Latham & Watkins)

7th Program: May 29-31, 2026, San Francisco, California (hosted by Morrison Foerster) - DEADLINE PASSED (2026-04-03 is after this date)

6th Program: June 6-8, 2025 in New York City (hosted by Weil Gotshal) - DEADLINE PASSED

Contact Information:

National Office: (949) 752-1801

Email: nationaloffice@actl.com

Address: 4041 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 140, Newport Beach, California 92660