Note:
This NITA Drake Trial Advocacy Institute training is not an LSC-sponsored program but is included in the Announcements section because it is a very valuable training opportunity for LSC programs.


TO: Directors of Legal Service Programs
FROM: Mark S. Caldwell, Esq. & Professor Dan Power
RE: Tuition Free Program for Legal Services Attorneys
DATE:  August 6, 2001

                      As part of their commitment to lawyers who represent underserved communities, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and the Center for Public Service Attorneys at Drake University are offering their second advocacy skills training course Wednesday, September 12 through Sunday, September 16, 2001.  The program will be held at the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center for Public Service Attorneys Professional Development in Des Moines, Iowa. 

             The program covers those trial skills necessary for the effective representation of clients in state and federal court.  Included will be workshops on witness examination, evidence - exhibits and objections, dealing with problem witnesses, opening statements and closing arguments. 

             The program follows NITA’S learning-by-doing format.  Each day every participant will have several opportunities to perform in a simulated trial setting.  Following each performance program instructors will offer suggestions on how the participant could be more effective.  Many performances will be video taped.  Participants will review their tape in a one on one setting with a member of the faculty. 

             Program instructors are being selected from throughout the United States.  All are experienced in both advocacy and teaching. 

             NITA is developing a new case file for this program.  The facts of the case are common to many legal service programs.  At issue is the sale of a defective automobile and the failure to pay on the loan for the vehicle. 

             NITA and Drake University Law School are subsidizing this program by making the course available for the first time with no tuition charge.  This includes all of the class sessions, program materials, and breaks during the program.  On the open market this program would charge approximately $2,000 for tuition.  Participants are responsible for their travel, lodging and meal expenses.  Further information on lodging will be sent to those accepted into the program. 

             We are accepting forty-eight participants into the program.  Registrations will be accepted on a first received basis.  No more than four attorneys from a single organization may apply.  We anticipate that the program will be fully enrolled in a short time.  We encourage you to send applications immediately. 

             Rooms have been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express Motel, which is immediately adjacent to the National Training Center; the room rate is $67 per night (including tax).  NITA will be applying for CLE credit from all mandatory jurisdictions.  We anticipate the program will receive approximately 30-35 credit hours. 

             If you have questions about the substance of the program, please feel free to call me at 303-758-5527.  Questions regarding program administration should be directed to Ms. Jean Molloy at the NITA office in South Bend, 1-800-225-6482.

 

NITA          LEGAL SERVICES PRO BONO PROGRAM APPLICATION
                     DRAKE UNIVERSITY, DES MOINES, IA

 

NAME: Mr./Ms.                                                                                                                                                                 
                                (Please print name as you wish it to appear on certificate of attendance)

E-MAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________

COMPANY NAME: __________________________________________________________________

MAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________ 

                              CITY:                                      STATE:                        ________  ZIP ____________________
_
SHIP ADDRESS:  ____________________________________________________________________

UPS Delivery
Physical Address  ____________________________________________________________________

BUSINESS PHONE:                                         FAX::                                                  
                                     (Area Code)                                                          (Area Code)

HOME ADDRESS:  _________________________________________________________________

                                                CITY: ________________                        STATE: ________                        ZIP: ______________

HOME PHONE: _____________________________
                             (Area Code) 

Ethnic Background (In compliance w/Affirmative Action Standards):
Native American ___  Asian ___  Black ___  Caucasian ___  Hispanic ___  Other  __________________ 

Type of Practice:    Legal Aid ____   (please state size of office _______)

Year Started in Practice: ________     Litigation ____   Non-Litigation ____

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Undergraduate Degree (date and school): ____________________________________________________

Law Degree (date and school): ____________________________________________________________

BAR ADMISSIONS:
State: ______________  Bar ID# _____________________  Date  _____________
State: ______________  Bar ID# _____________________  Date  _____________
EMPLOYMENT:  (Please list all employment since law school in chronological order)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES, MEMBERSHIPS OR PUBLICATIONS:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

LITIGATION EXPERIENCE:  (Please note actual number)
Number of cases to trial (not Appeals): __________
Anticipated number of cases to trial within the next 12 months: __________
Jury trials tried to verdict:           Civil _______                        Criminal _______
Non-jury trials tried to verdict:   Civil _______                        Criminal _______
Do you require handicap access to facilities or assistance at Program? __________

I certify that I am a licensed attorney admitted to practice law. 

Date: _______________  Signature: _____________________________________________________
 

PLEASE NOTIFY THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE AT 1-800-225-6482 OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS.