Trial Advocacy
Pace Law School heralds a nationally recognized trial skills
program. This comprehensive program interfaces with the
traditional curriculum allowing students an opportunity for
simulated learning skills sessions. Students' knowledge of
substantive law is integrated in an intensive course study of
trial skills. The program provides all students an opportunity to
experience the vigor of a trial in a controlled simulated
environment.
The program features introductory, as well as, advanced
learning in the art of questioning technique, evidence, jury
profiling and selection, theory, and platform skills. Students are
given an opportunity to develop skills in openings, closings and
examinations.
THE TRIAL ADVOCACY COURSE
The course focuses on four case files, which are developed
throughout the semester. Each student performs a simulated
exercise in each class in front of real judges and seasoned
litigators. The students receive classroom critique and are
videotaped in the state of the art simulated courtrooms. Peer
critique is a key component of the learning process. Students are
encouraged to take risks and to challenge themselves by
self-analysis and through videotape review. They are required to
prepare pretrial memoranda and trial notebooks on the cases.
In using the course simulation approach to learning, students
are immersed in a trial lawyer’s world. The classroom law firms
are responsible not just for the execution of the theory, but also
for the development of the case theory. This helps the students
learn how to analyze and attack the facts of a case. The faculty
includes committed practicing litigators and sitting judges who
are committed to teaching. Their experience includes civil,
criminal, and commercial litigation. The faculty is given ongoing
training sessions to enhance their teaching skills. All professors
follow a uniform curriculum that emphasizes the changing nature of
the law.
THE PROGRAM
Finally, the program sponsors a series of lectures featuring
noted attorneys who provide insight into fascinating and complex
litigation matter. These small and sometimes large seminars allow
students a chance to question top litigators on strategy and
technique. They provide an advanced intellectual discussion of
modern trial problems.
THE TRIAL TEAMS
In addition to the formal curriculum, the program hosts an
internal trial competition and has an extensive external trial
team program. The trial teams participate in national mock trial
competitions and receive one on one coaching from experienced
litigators from the New York metro area. The teams have received
top awards in National Tournaments. Pace has been awarded the Tiffany
Cup by the New York State Bar Association for excellence in
trial advocacy. Pace has been recognized as regional winners in The
National Trial Competition and Semi Finalist at the Association of
Trial Lawyers of America Regional Competition. The University
has also been the site for the National Trial Competitions.
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