If you think that there is not enough diversity in our courtrooms, or if you believe there is a shortage of women trial lawyers, change it by being there. And if you think you don’t have the skills to try a case, sign up for the Women in Trial two-day training, learn the skills, and get into court through our pro bono programs.

The first training program will be held on Friday, February 22 to Saturday, February 23, 2019.

Moderated by 2019 President Doris Cheng, Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, the training will mirror the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) format, which follows the learning-by-doing model.

Attendees will receive lectures on the topics of opening statements, closing arguments, as well as direct and cross examination.  They will have performance workshops with video review, and they will receive instant feedback tailored to their respective performances.  The training will benefit any attorney, whether they have never tried a case or they have tried fifty cases.  The experiential learning develops muscle memory with handling issues under pressure because the workshops simulate a real courtroom experience.  The training teaches them at their skill level because it is performance based.  The teaching faculty will include judges and experienced trial lawyers, who have taught in other NITA programs.  Cheng, who has been running these training programs nationally and internationally, promises that lawyers will see improvement in their advocacy skills in just two days.

Generating court room experience is a key component in Cheng’s Women in Trial initiative. The pro bono opportunities available through the Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) offer such experience, and it is hoped that attorneys who take the training will commit to taking on one pro bono case this year.  JDC’s pro bono programs need energetic and skilled advocates to assist with cases related to family law, child custody, spousal support, eviction defense, debt collection, prisoner rights, and other matters.

Learn more about the Women in Trial training at www.sfbar.org/calendar.

Can’t make the February training? A second two-day training is scheduled for July. Visit www.sfbar.org/calendar to learn more.