Litigation Institute for Trial Training: A boot camp for young lawyers
Last month, the ABA’s Litigation and Criminal Justice Sections jointly conducted the fourth annual Litigation Institute for Trial Training program, or LITT -- also known as a boot camp for young lawyers. I created the LITT program to help young lawyers hone their advocacy skills in a one or two-day intensive training session that covers all aspects of trial preparation and proceedings, and courtroom protocol.
Nearly a hundred young lawyers attended this year’s LITT program in Miami Beach, Florida. The one-day program started at 8:00 am and adjourned at 4:45 pm with hardly a break. Box lunches were served as Judge Marvin J. Garbis, of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, presented a lecture on what young lawyers should know when trying cases. The schedule followed with an array of esteemed attorneys and jurists serving as panelists – demonstrating and leadings discussions involving all components of a trial, including case analysis and courtroom conduct, opening statements, cross examination and closing arguments.
The two-day LITT program, which has been conducted in previous years, follows a similar format. But the two-day version also includes workshops at which young lawyers divide into groups of eight to demonstrate opening statements, direct and cross examination; and closing argument. A faculty of three presides over each of five classrooms.
While up to a hundred students may register for the one-day LITT program, registration for the two-day program is limited to forty students. Next year’s program is already in the works. If you are interested in details or for more information about LITT, please contact me at pms@shapirosher.com.
