Trial Academy

Q: When and Where is the Trial Academy?

A: The Trial Academy will be held at Syracuse University Law School of Law, Dineen Hall, 950 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, New York, 13244 on March 11 to March 15, 2023.

Q: How Does Trial Academy Work?

The materials for the program will include both a criminal and civil fact pattern which will be provided to attendees before the program’s start date. If you do not receive a fact pattern via email two weeks prior to the Academy, please contact Amy Jasiewicz [email protected] immediately.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to prepare as much as possible using the fact pattern and materials.

Each morning of the Trial Academy will feature a lecture on the following aspects of the trial process: Jury Selection, Opening Statements, Evidence, Foundations and Objections, Direct Examinations, Cross-Examinations, Trial Motions and Motions in Limine, and Closing Arguments.

Each afternoon the lecture group will separate into small break-out groups. Prior to the start of the program each attendee will receive materials that will include which “problem” or “witness” they are to prepare for each day’s break-out group. You will work with this group and your Team Leader throughout the entire Trial Academy.

The breakout groups will allow you and your peers to put the theory of the lecture into practice with the feedback of your Team Leader and the rotating critique faculty. Your presentations will be recorded to allow for personal playback and review.

Q: My practice focuses on mostly civil litigation. Can I request that I only present from the civil fact pattern?

A: The Academy focuses on the major aspects of both a civil and criminal trial. Students must make their presentations from both the criminal and civil fact pattern.  The critique faculty is a diverse mix of those with civil and criminal experience.

Q: How late can I register and what about refunds?
A: We strongly recommend that you register at least two weeks prior to the Academy to allow sufficient time to prepare. Two weeks prior to the Academy you will be provided with the fact pattern and other materials. You should begin preparing immediately and not wait until the night before.

Q: What CLE Credits are Available?

A: Under New York’s MCLE rule, this program has been approved for a total of up to 32 MCLE credit hours, consisting of 2.0 credit hours in ETHICS and 19.5 credit hours in PRACTICAL SKILL and 10.5 credit hours in Areas of Professional Practice. This program is transitional and therefore suitable for newly-admitted attorneys.

Q: Are Discounts and Scholarships Available?
A: Scholarships are available through several of NYSBA Sections. Check the website listing for application deadlines. Please note that scholarships only cover the registration fee, and do not cover travel, accommodations, or other expenses.

Attorneys may receive financial assistance to attend this program. Under New York State Bar Association policy, attorneys who require financial assistance may apply in writing, no later than 10 working days prior to the program, explaining the basis of his/her hardship, and, if approved, may receive a discount or scholarship, depending on the circumstances. For more details, please contact: Amy Jasiewicz, New York State Bar Association, One Elk Street, Albany, New York 12207, [email protected].

Q: Are there Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities?

A: Yes. NYSBA welcomes participation by individuals with disabilities. NYSBA is committed to complying with all applicable laws that prohibit discrimination against individuals on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of its goods, services, programs, activities, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations. To request auxiliary aids or services or if you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact Amy Jasiewicz at least 2 weeks in advance of the event at [email protected] or 518-487-5682.

Q: Where do I park?

Parking at the Law School

More information coming soon.

Parking Off Site

More information coming soon

Q: What meals are provided?
A: Continental breakfast, hot and cold buffet lunch and snack breaks are provided Wednesday through Sunday. You will be on your own for dinner, although there are cocktail receptions on the first and last evenings. Breakfast and lunch will have vegetarian options available, no need to make a special request. If you have other dietary restrictions or requests, please let us know in advance. Kosher meals are available to those who order in advance. If you have requested Kosher meals in advance, please identify yourself to the wait staff to receive your meal as they are labeled individually. Kosher breakfast and lunch are ordered online when you register for the Academy. All conference attendees are on their own for dinner.

Q: Will I be the only one with no trial experience? OR, will there be other attorneys participating who do have trial experience?

A: No, you won’t be the only new or experienced attorney. Every year the Trial Academy has great diversity among its participants. There is always a mix of those no trial experience, limited trial experience, and experienced attorneys.

Q: I’ve registered for Trial Academy! What happens next?

A: Approximately 2 weeks prior to the program, you will be sent an email. It will contain a fact pattern to use to study and prepare. Thorough review of these materials is critical to being ready for the program, and presentations. You will be expected to present on your first day of the Academy on Jury Selection.

Approximately one week prior to the program, you will be emailed your team assignment. All participants in the Academy will gather together in the morning for a lecture, and the split into teams for the afternoons. Each afternoon of the Academy will be spent with your team of approximately 10-15 other students, practicing techniques and studying various trial aspects. Each team will have a rotating critique faculty to observe and provide feedback on student presentations.

Along with the team information, you will be sent your problem assignment, which indicates whether you will be handling the civil or criminal case, and when you will be representing the plaintiff or defense.

Q: Are there course materials?

A: Yes. All course materials are available online. We are striving to conserve paper and present the materials in a convenient electronic format. Printing all of the materials would result in two very large books for you to carry throughout the week.

Wi-Fi is available at the meeting site for you to access the materials online during the program. A high volume of users can slow access so you may want to save the course materials in advance on the laptop or tablet that you are bringing. You do not need to print the course materials.

You must have Adobe Acrobat in order to view, save, and/or print the materials.  If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download a free copy at this link:  http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Q: What should I bring?

A: Bring a laptop or tablet, if you have one. A link to program materials will be provided in advance, and you may want to access these materials onsite during the lectures. We will provide notepads for note-taking. You will be provided with an outline/course book that contains some materials, but please bring your laptops, tablets, etc. as the full set of program materials will be online.  WIFI access will be available at the school.

Bring business cards, if you have them. You will have lots of opportunities to network and exchange contact information with fellow attendees, leading litigators, judges and NYSBA leadership.

Wear walking shoes – If you are staying at Sheraton Hotel, you may need to walk from the Hotel to the law school. There is also walking and stairs between meeting rooms.

Dress to impress. Please wear business attire each day. This will help you feel more confident, and will make your presentations feel more like an actual court appearance.

Q: Can I tweet about the Academy?

A: Yes! You can follow or post about the program on Twitter, at: #TrialAcademy23

Q: How do I prepare?

A: Advance preparation is essential!

Approximately three weeks before the program, you will be emailed a set of materials to study in advance of the Academy. This information will prepare you and help you feel more confident about your participation. We strongly encourage you NOT to wait until the evening before Trial Academy to read the materials. Any time you put into preparation using the provided materials will pay off. Please note, on the afternoon of the first day, students will be asked to make presentations on the topic of the day.

Please note that all participants will be required to present to their small group each day of the Academy, including the first day. Day one you will be conducting a voir dire. Day 2: an opening statement. Day 3: a direct examination. Day 4: a cross examination. Day 5: your closing argument.  Please prepare as best you can for these in advance of the Academy, once you review the fact patterns and course materials. Some of the course materials relate to the fact patterns.

Q: What Else Can I Do to Prepare for Trial Academy?
A: RELAX. It is natural to be a bit nervous—keep in mind that you are not alone—everyone is feeling the same way you are. Remember that perfection is not expected, only improvement. This is a learning experience. Please come ready to work hard, have fun, begin new friendships, and learn a great deal.

We look forward to seeing you at the Academy!