The Vermont Trial Academy 2023 is open for registration. It will be held all day (8AM-4:30) July 28, 2023, at Vermont Law & Graduate School. As in previous years experienced practitioners, judges, actor-witnesses, and law-school-student timekeepers, will gather to help participants hone their trial skills.
Participants will be expected to prepare 7-minute presentations of four trial segments for either a criminal, civil or family case, in advance of the Academy. Please indicate your preference (criminal, civil or family) when you register. The relevant case materials are available to download on VBA CLE calendar.
For many participants, court appearances are a routine part of their jobs. However, there is an “Observe Only” option as well on the registration form. If you would like to see your fellow lawyers in action (and learn from their performances without having to present yourself), here is your chance! The registration fee is the same regardless of the track you choose or if you choose just to observe. Those who choose to observe only should nevertheless review the materials for the track that they attend and be prepared to participate in discussions.
Trial segments will include: (1) an opening statement; (2) a direct examination of a witness; (3) a cross examination of a witness; and (4) a closing statement. The number of segments that you’ll present will depend on the number of participants who register. Each segment you present will be critiqued by the presiding judge in your courtroom and by an experienced trial practitioner.
Whichever track you choose, all participants will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with some of Vermont’s most seasoned lawyers and judges.
Members of the VBA Young Lawyers Division will serve as your witness(es) and will testify based on the case materials fact patterns.
The presiding judges this year will be U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss, and Vermont Superior Court Judges Dickson Corbett, Samuel Hoar, Howard Kalfus and Lisa Warren.
Trial Academy 2022 is set up for in-person attendance only and will not be recorded. If you miss it, you’ll have missed it for good. A total of 7 CLE credits are available. The credits are approved and certified to qualify for Rule 12(a)(1) and Rule 15(c) of the VT Rules of Admission.
TRIAL ACADEMY 2023 FAQ
Where is Trial Academy?
Vermont Law and Graduate School, South Royalton.
When is Trial Academy 2023?
Friday, July 28, 2023. The day begins with registration between 8 and 8:30 AM at the Chase Center on the Law School Campus. The day’s schedule can be found here. A map of the campus is here.
Will there be food?
Yes – coffee and pastries in the morning and a sandwich bar / bagged lunch at lunchtime.
Will there be a vegan option at lunch?
Yes.
What should I wear?
You should dress as you would for court.
What side should I take in the case that I am preparing?
It’s up to you. You choose a track – civil, criminal, or family (only one). You can then decide whether to represent the plaintiff or the defendant – you could even flip flop if that appeals to you. You will want to let the judge know which position you’re taking as you begin your presentation.
If I choose “observe only” do I need to review the materials in advance?
Yes. Even if you are not presenting trial segments you should be prepared to participate in discussions and be aware of the issues that the participants are addressing.
Will I present each segment that I prepare?
It depends how many people sign up. You will probably be able to do all four (opening, direct exam, cross exam, and closing), but if there is a very large attendance you might present fewer than four. You should prepare all four in any case.
Is Trial Academy going to be recorded? Can I participate remotely?
No and No. This is an in-person event only.
How many CLE credits do I get?
7
Are all 7 credits approved and certified to meet the Rule 12(a)(1) and Rule 15(c) of the VT Rules of Admission?
Yes.
What if I have other questions?
Email info@vtbar.org.