ABA Midyear 2018: Hands-On Experience with the National Trial Academy

There are many aspects of trial work that can’t be practised in a classroom, from witnesses not showing up to interacting with an actual judge. In this report from On The Road at the 2018 ABA Midyear Meeting, host Laurence Colletti talks to Fred McClure and Chris Marks about the National Trial Academy sponsored by the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) of the American Bar Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). The Academy allows for a select number of students to get authentic experience in a court environment along with mentors that aid with the process. In the episode, Fred and Chris discuss the advantages to such hands-on learning and how interested lawyers can get involved.

Fred McClure is the litigation practice group leader for the Florida offices of DLA Piper and is a past member of the firm’s Executive and Policy Committees.

Chris Marks focuses his practice at Tanenbaum Keale on defending high-exposure tort matters, including product liability cases related to asbestos, consumer products, transportation and toxic torts.