Trial School

09/24/2026

Scholarships are now available for the 2026 Trial School Symposium!

We want everyone who wants to join us in Chicago to have the opportunity to attend.

If cost is standing between you and participating in this year’s Symposium, we encourage you to apply for scholarship assistance.

⚖️ 2026 Trial School Symposium
Voir Dire in 2026: Blending the Old with the New
📅 November 6–7, 2026
📍 Chicago, Illinois

Scholarship applications are now open:
👉 https://bit.ly/4hKNbaR

We hope you’ll join us for two days of learning, collaboration, and hands-on trial training!

Please click the link to complete this form.

09/11/2026

Ben Rubinowitz has a message about what we have in store for Chicago this November.

The 2026 Trial School Symposium, Voir Dire in 2026: Blending the Old with the New, is designed to be much more than a traditional CLE program.

You’ll work with real mock jurors, learn directly from some of the country’s most accomplished trial lawyers, and actually put the techniques into practice.

Watch Ben’s message, then join us in Chicago November 6–7.

Learn more and reserve your seat: https://bit.ly/4gQlr4g

09/02/2026

What makes this year’s Trial School Symposium different?

Mike Kelly is the mastermind behind the coursework, and he has helped build a two-day program around one of the most important skills a trial lawyer can develop: voir dire.

The program will blend proven concepts with new strategies for jury selection today, but this isn’t just about sitting in a room and listening.

Attendees will work with mock jurors, get on their feet, practice the techniques being taught, and have the opportunity to apply them to their own cases alongside Trial School faculty.

Watch Mike share what he has planned for Chicago.

📍 Chicago
📅 November 6–7, 2026

Register here: https://bit.ly/4i2SvqR

08/17/2026

Jury selection is one of the most important parts of trial, and one of the hardest to master.

Joe Fried shares one of the problems he sees trial lawyers encounter when approaching voir dire.

At this year's Trial School Symposium, we are taking this conversation much further.

Attorneys will work with live mock jurors and practice jury selection using their own real cases alongside some of the country's best trial lawyers.

November 6–7 | Chicago

Learn more: https://www.trialschool.org/events/2026-trial-school-symposium/

07/20/2026

Performance is not an ugly word.
Performance is a word that needs to be redefined. And embraced.
Because whether you like it or not — the moment you stand up in that courtroom, you're in one.

So the question isn't whether you'll perform. The question is: what's the performance gonna be?
Will it be guarded? Rehearsed? Somebody else's version of what a trial lawyer is supposed to sound like?
Or will it be you — fully present, emotionally true, and powerful enough that jurors believe you, trust you, and carry your client's story into deliberations?

That's why my friend Mel Orchard and I created The Art of Advocacy — a five-day Trial School intensive where trial skills meet performance. Alongside an incredible faculty and close friends, we integrate trial advocacy with theater, movement, music, voice, and visual art.

The goal is not to make lawyers perform. The goal is to help lawyers communicate with presence, emotional truth, creativity and power.

This has been a labor of love.
Welcome to the stage.

April 26–30, 2027 | Cloudland at McLemore Resort | Rising Fawn, Georgia

Get more info and register here 👉 https://www.trialschool.org/events/the-art-of-advocacy-the-intersection-between-trial-skills-and-the-arts/

The Art of Advocacy - Where Trial Skills Meet PerformanceA Five-Da...

06/29/2026

Every great trial lawyer remembers someone who helped them become a better advocate.

At Trial School, we believe the best way to grow as a trial lawyer is to learn from those who have been there before, while building relationships with attorneys who share the same commitment to excellence.

As a Trial School member, you'll have access to:

✔ Live educational programs throughout the year
✔ An extensive library of on-demand trial advocacy content
✔ A nationwide community of plaintiff and criminal defense trial lawyers
✔ Programs taught by nationally recognized trial attorneys
✔ Exclusive member opportunities and event discounts

Whether you're preparing for your first jury trial or your hundredth, there's always another strategy to learn, another perspective to consider, and another opportunity to sharpen your skills.

The best part? Trial School membership is completely free.

If you're ready to invest in your growth as a trial lawyer, we'd love to welcome you to the Trial School community.

Apply for free membership: https://www.trialschool.org/membership

What has been the most valuable lesson another trial lawyer has taught you?

10/23/2024

Join Us for the 2024 Trial School Symposium in Chicago!

Ready to elevate your learning experience? Our annual Symposium is the perfect opportunity to explore the Art of Negotiations & Crafting an Opening Statement and connect with passionate faculty and peers! This Symposium recognizes the critical importance of delivering compelling Opening Statements; Days 1 and 3 are dedicated to helping you frame, craft, and deliver powerful openings for your upcoming trials.

On our middle day, immerse yourself in hands-on negotiation and mediation training with 10 of Chicago's finest judges and mediators. Work in teams with our expert faculty to explore the practical and emotional factors that influence mediated settlement negotiations, from initial demand to step-wise negotiation.

🗓 When: November 8-10, 2024
📍 Where: Loyola Law School, Chicago

✨ What’s in Store:
Inspiring speakers
Interactive workshops
Networking opportunities

🎟 Don’t Miss Out! Sign up now to secure your spot and be part of this unparalleled experience! Click here to register: https://www.trialschool.org/events/2024-symposium/

Let’s learn and grow together! 🌱

10/02/2024

🌟 Join us for the 2024 Trial School Symposium in Chicago! 🌟

Dive into the art of negotiations and craft compelling opening statements over three immersive days. 🌐✨ Learn from nationally recognized faculty and engage in hands-on workshops that spotlight the latest Mixed Method Advocacy approaches.

Network with top attorneys from across the country in an intimate setting, and gain practical insights that will elevate your practice. Plus, earn CLE credit while you’re at it!

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to sharpen your skills and connect with industry leaders. Register now and gain the edge you need! 💼🔍

Register here: https://www.trialschool.org/events/2024-symposium/