Intensive Advocacy Program
The Intensive Advocacy Program (IAP) is a two-week intensive course, focusing on litigation and trial techniques and strategies. The IAP brings seasoned lawyers and judges from across the nation to train law students in the art of advocacy.
The exciting program features more than 80 hours of lectures, demonstrations, and practice workshops. Topics covered include taking and defending depositions, evidence, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, direct and cross-examination of experts, jury selection, opening statements, and closing arguments.
Law students conduct portions of a simulated deposition and trial, receive critique, and review their recorded performances under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Generally, each classroom has eight students and one or two faculty members. Each student is assigned a case file and a problem to use for his or her presentation. The IAP faculty provides lectures and demonstrations, as well as suggestions that will immediately improve the students' skills.
At the conclusion of the program each student conducts a mock jury trial. The student lawyers work in teams of two and try either a civil or criminal case before a judge and jury. The pressures and challenges of trial practice give students the opportunity to bring together all of the acquired knowledge and skills developed in the various workshops over the course of the program.
The Intensive Advocacy Program is useful for all students, whether you intend to enter the courtroom or not. The purpose of the program is to develop skills in gathering information, marshalling facts, making persuasive arguments, and making real life court appearances. Most importantly, this course teaches students what to expect after graduating from law school and beginning their legal careers.
Program Dates
The 2010 session will take place from May 24th to June 6, 2010.
Eligibility
Students who have satisfactorily completed one year of study at an accredited law school are eligible to enroll. Students must also have completed a course in evidence.
Credit and Grades
The Intensive Advocacy Program is offered as part of the fully accredited curriculum of the University of San Francisco School of Law. Participants receive three units of credit. The program is offered on a credit/no credit basis. If a student's home school requires a letter grade, this can be arranged on an individual basis. The program complies with ABA requirements.
Tuition
The tuition for the 2010 program is $4155 ($1385 per unit). This includes all instruction and material costs for the program.
Deposits, Payments, and Refunds
Enrollment is limited and applicants are accepted on a first come, first-served basis. Non-USF students must submit a $50 non-refundable application fee with the application. An additional, non-refundable deposit of $150 (required of all students) must be submitted with the application in order to guarantee a place in the program. The application deadlines have yet to be determined for 2010. The University of San Francisco reserves the right to cancel the program, in case of emergency or under enrollment. To date, the program has never been cancelled. In the event of such cancellation, all payments will be refunded.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available to students participating in the Intensive Advocacy Program. Financial Aid information for USF students is available here. Financial Aid information for visiting students is available here.
Deadlines
Deadline for financial aid: 4/30/2010
Deadline for tuition: 4/30/2010
Awards
The following awards are presented in conjunction with the Intensive Advocacy Program: the Edward J. McFetridge Award for excellence in advocacy, the John L. Brennan Award for creativity and innovation in advocacy, and the Director's Award for excellence in advocacy skills. The McFetridge and Brennan awards are endowed in memory of alumni of the USF School of Law and are designated for IAP participants enrolled at USF. The Director's Award is presented to the outstanding advocate from a school other than USF. Each recipient receives an engraved plaque commemorating the award. In addition, the McFetridge award winner receives $1,500, the Brennan Award winner $500, and the Director's Awards winner $250.