Intensive Trial Advocacy Program Sharpens Students’ Advocacy Skills

Twenty-six students from STL recently took part in a two-day intensive trial advocacy program designed to introduce them to trial techniques and strategies and sharpen their advocacy skills.  The May 10-11 program was held in the new STL Building and was organized by STL Associate Clinical Professor of Law Nicholas Frayn, an experienced criminal defense lawyer who previously worked for the Legal Aid Society in New York City.  Professor Frayn was joined by Ye-Ting Woo and Evan Williams, two U.S. federal prosecutors with substantial trial experience in criminal and civil matters, and STL Lecturer in Law Shama Farooq, also an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

The program afforded students an unparalleled opportunity to develop and fine-tune their advocacy skills before their peers in an atmosphere where experienced trial lawyers were readily available to provide feedback and advice.

“This program offered me a great opportunity to benefit from the experience and expertise of skilled trial lawyers. Throughout the program, we participated in preparing and delivering opening statements, direct examination, cross examination and closing statements. We also learned the importance of story telling in the courtroom, which I’ve come to learn is really an art,” said Zhu Dianmeng, a 1L student who participated in the trial advocacy program.

STL is a leader in teaching lawyering skills.  The law school’s J.D./JM. curriculum is rich with courses and programs offering real world practice experience.