Once our new associates have completed the fall Hinshaw U Program, they become eligible for our spring Trial Advocacy Program.

The Trial Ad Program begins with three days of seminars taught by the Firm's trial attorneys as well as some members of the judiciary. The seminars are conducted off-site in a state-of-the-art mock courtroom that facilitates demonstrations by the faculty. This instructional phase covers preparation and argument of motions in limine, opening statements, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, introduction of documentary evidence, closing arguments, jury instructions, and preserving points for appellate review. Each segment is introduced by a member of the judiciary from the local Circuit and Appellate Courts, which provides an additional perspective on the trial experience. 

The instructional phase is followed by a final day-long jury trial presided over by the Firm’s leading trial attorneys.  They jury is comprised of staff members from the Firm. The trials are videotaped and later critiqued by the faculty to maximize each participant's learning experience.