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.

This 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 provide 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 2011 session will take place from May 23 to June 5, 2011.

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, which includes all instruction and material costs, for the 2011 program is as follows: JD - $4335 ($1445 per unit); LLM - $4851 ($1617 per unit)

Deposits, Payments, and Refunds

Enrollment is limited and applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. All students must submit a non-refundable $150 deposit fee. This should be a check or money order made payable to: USF School of Law. Non-USF students must also submit a $50 non-refundable application fee to cover processing (same instructions apply). Deposit fees are required to secure a place in the program and will be applied to tuition.

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.

Applications

Applications for current USF students are available here. Please complete and submit them along with the $150 non-refundable deposit fee* (check or money order made payable to: USF School of Law) to the Faculty Services Office (Kendrick 300) or mail to the address below.

Applications for non-USF students are available here. Please complete and mail along with the $150 non-refundable deposit fee* and a separate $50 application fee (checks or money orders; both made payable to: USF School of Law) to the following address:

Intensive Advocacy Program
University of San Francisco School of Law
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

All applications must be dated by March 25, 2011.

* Deposit fee is required at application to secure a place in the program.

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the IAP program may or may not qualify for financial aid. Please note that if an enrolled student does not qualify for financial aid, s/he will be required to pay tuition in full by the May 1, 2011 deadline.

Summer financial aid information for USF students is available here.

Financial aid information for visiting students is available here.

Deadlines

Deadline for USF Students Applications: 3/25/2011
Deadline for Visiting Students Applications: 4/15/2011
Priority deadline for financial aid (USF Students): 4/1/2011
Deadline for tuition: 5/1/2011

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 $1,250, the Brennan Award winner $500, and the Director's Awards winner $500

Student Testimonials

I have no doubt that my participation in IAP has made me a more effective and self-aware advocate. There is no other legal program that gives students the opportunity to practice trial arguments in front of practicing litigators and judges from across the nation. After each practice session, I received immediate and specific feedback to improve my individual litigation and trial skills and techniques. Throughout the course of the program, I was able to identify and thoughtfully utilize my strengths and found ways to minimize or overcome my weaknesses as an advocate.

IAP has truly made the difference in my law school career. I am confident that the knowledge and skills I have gained during IAP have prepared me for my career as public defender. I encourage every student to take advantage of the IAP opportunity.

-Christine Start

If I could give a 1L one piece of advice, it would be to make sure to participate in the IAP program before leaving USF. IAP was the absolute best thing I have done in my four years of law school. What I learned in two weeks gave me an advantage over so many practicing lawyers. I am a better advocate because of IAP and my confidence level has increased so much as a result. I would encourage everyone to participate in this program even if you are not considering a career in litigation.

-Nichelle Holmes

I really enjoyed IAP. Not only did I gain advocacy skills that I know will benefit me throughout my career, but I met wonderful people. I became friends with members of my class who I may not have met otherwise. I networked with and learned from amazing practitioners who are truly passionate about their craft.

IAP is well known in the San Francisco legal community and attorneys are always anxious to hear about my experience in the program. Last summer, my supervising attorney was more confident in allowing me to argue motions as a certified law student because I had completed IAP. The lessons I learned have stayed with me and I often find myself thinking about something specific an attorney taught me. Participating in IAP was definitely one of the best choices I made as a law student.

-Krista Henneman

2010 Faculty