Introduction to Trial Advocacy: The Elements of Trial - Self Study

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Each user must register individually as they will need their own login to access the program and comply with CLE requirements.

Introduction to Trial Advocacy is a lecture series developed by Spencer Pahlke, Robert Little, and Elizabeth Fraley (faculty at Berkeley and Baylor law). Based on the book The Elements of Trial by Rick Friedman and Bill Cummings, Introduction to Trial Advocacy builds on decades of courtroom and teaching experience to ready new lawyers for trial by guiding them through preparing and trying a sample case. The core concept is this: We learn to try cases best by doing. The course pairs easily digestible videos with fact patterns and accompanying advocacy and evidence drills.

By completing this unique program, you will be able to:

• Understand and effectively apply procedural and substantive legal principles in the courtroom
• Demonstrate effective advocacy skills before the trier of fact
• Exercise professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession
• Use the law to solve real-world problems

This self-study version is designed for use by individual attorneys, for more information about teaching this program in your firm, university, or high school please click here.

The following materials are provided:

• Video lectures and transcripts: The lectures range in length from 4 to 20 minutes. Transcripts of the videos are included with timestamps to make it easy to rewatch as needed. 

• Fact patterns: We have both civil (Pearson v. Quick-Time Movers, Inc.) and criminal (State v. Bell) fact patterns for this series. They are intertwined with each workbook.   

• Workbooks: You will need to decide whether you want to complete the course using either the civil or criminal fact pattern and choose the corresponding workbook. As you move through it, you will be doing advocacy and evidence drills based on your fact pattern. 
• A note on drills: These are often designed to be completed in a group setting, and we highly encourage you to work with your peers, colleagues, a mentor, friends, or family members to complete the drills. 

We suggest using one of these three methods when completing this course:

• Group study: Work with a group of peers to practice elements and discuss coursework. All participants will need to purchase the course to have access to the materials.
• Mentor: Work with a mentor who is able to review your work. (Trial Guides cannot provide a mentor for this program)
• Self-study: Work at your own pace to watch the lectures, read material, and complete the assignments in the provided workbook. Even with self-study, we encourage you to work with a colleague, friend, or family member to complete the drills.

Also included are suggested readings from The Elements of Trial, which is available at a discounted price of $45 via a coupon code you will be emailed upon purchasing this course.

The presenters would also like to note a special thanks to senior contributor Nicholas Cotter who provided editorial and creative contributions.