Study

This is a learning-by-doing course covering narratives, opening statement, direct examination, cross examination, impeachment, admission and use of exhibits, and closing argument. The course is taught by experienced trial lawyers who are also experienced advocacy teachers. In Fall 2025, the instructors will be Professor Natalie Adams, who is a United States Magistrate Judge, and Professor Don Beskind, who is the Director of the Trial Practice Program. Professor Adams is former AUSA who specialized in prosecuting racketeering and murder cases, and who later worked in private practice as a white-collar defense attorney. Professor Adams is an ’08 graduate of DLS and of this course.

Students take this course to learn or hone their trial and oral communication skills. Students also take Trial Practice to get a sense of whether a litigation career might suit them.

In sections limited to 12, students prepare and perform trial skills using simulated criminal law problems. Every student performs at every class. After each performance, each student receives constructive feedback from faculty members and classmates. Each student’s performance is videotaped for the student’s personal review. The student will also review at least two performances privately with one of the student’s instructors.

The course final is a full jury trial of a criminal case. Each student works with a partner to represent either the prosecution or the defense. Members of the community serve as jury members and, following the students’ presentation of the case, deliberate and return a verdict. Students watch the jury deliberations via video feed.

Fall 2025 Schedule: The course has regular sessions on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:50 p.m. on 8/25, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22 and 9/29. After the first Monday class, the class meets for an intensive program on Thursday, 8/28 from 4:30 to 9:00 pm, on Friday, 8/29 from 2:10 to 7:00 p.m., on Saturday, 8/30 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and on Sunday 8/31 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The final trials will be on 10/3, 10/4, or 10/5. Because of the limited number of classes, absences must be excused in advance. No class during the intensive session can be missed.

Special Notes:

Fast track

Enrollment Pre-/Co- Requisite Information

LAW 245 Evidence is required and may be taken in a previous semester or concurrently. This course is not open to students who are taking, or have taken, Law 420 Trial Practice.

Fall 2025

Course Number	Course Credits	Evaluation Method	Instructor
422.01	3		Natalie Adams, Donald H. Beskind