At the end of every semester, the Litigation Skills I and II students conduct their highly anticipated Final Trials, bringing together the skills they have acquired throughout the semester and conducting a full mock trial. The Final Trials are held at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in working courtrooms before practicing judges and jurors.
“The final trial gave me confirmation that I can be a successful trial attorney,” said Alexis Hammond, a rising 3L. “The trial tied together all the skills we learned throughout the semester and gave us a chance to practice those skills in front of a real, practicing judge and jury. The trial taught me flexibility and how to effectively think on my feet, such as how to handle a witness who changes their story, how to handle a ruling by the judge that was not expected, and how to effectively explain our theory of the case to a jury. The final trial was an amazing experience and gave my invaluable insight into what it is like to be a trial attorney.”
Litigation Skills students spend the semester in their trial and pretrial classes developing a case file culminating with the final trial, after which the students receive candid critique and feedback from the faculty and guest judges.
“The final trial was an incredible experience,” rising 3L Adam Bernstein said. “It was a privilege to present my case and utilize everything I learned throughout the semester. I am grateful for all the invaluable feedback and advice provided after the trial.”
The Litigation Skills Program is a uniquely comprehensive program with several components offering students an unparalleled opportunity to learn and acquire advocacy skills, including Litigation Skills I, Litigation Skills II (criminal and civil), the Litigation Skills Externship, and Trial Team. Full-time faculty members direct the program, and a superb adjunct faculty of more than 65 highly experienced trial attorneys and judges from state and federal courts, assist with the lectures, demonstrations, trial, and pretrial courses.
“Being taught by the some of the most well-respected attorneys and judges in Miami was invaluable,” said Hammond about the Litigation Skills Program. “I gained confidence in myself while also building lifelong relationships with my classmates and my professors. I appreciate every single person who worked day in and day out to make Litigation Skills successful and I look forward to utilizing and developing all the skills I learned in this program in my professional career.”
Bernstein is also grateful for his experience with the Lit Skills Program. “Each week was an opportunity to advance my advocacy skills and connect with experienced legal professionals.”
Read more about Miami Law’s Litigation, Arbitration, and Dispute Resolution Program
