National Trial Advocacy College
The National Trial Advocacy College is an intensive, hands-on training program designed to enhance the courtroom skills of practicing attorneys. Organized by Virginia Continuing Legal Education (Virginia CLE), the 2026 session marks a significant milestone as the program relocates to William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia, after 43 years at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes expert lectures, small-group training, and realistic trial simulations. Key topics covered are opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, exhibits, and closing arguments. The program culminates in a live mock trial, typically presided over by an experienced federal or state court judge, allowing attendees to apply their learned skills in a simulated courtroom setting.
Beyond the structured sessions, the College offers ample networking opportunities, including daily continental breakfasts, lunches, and a reception and dinner with the faculty. Notable speakers and faculty members include distinguished trial attorneys, judges, and legal experts who provide personalized feedback and guidance throughout the program.
This program is ideal for practicing lawyers seeking to refine their trial advocacy skills, whether they are from large firms looking for trial experience or small practices facing diverse litigation challenges. Attendees will leave the program prepared to persuade and argue any aspect of a case at any phase of the litigation.
Categories
Speakers(67)
Anne K. Walsh
Attorney at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.
Anne K. Walsh practices at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. in Washington, DC.
Brenda Rodriguez-Howdershell
Attorney at Allstate Client Legal Services
Brenda Rodriguez-Howdershell practices at Allstate Client Legal Services in Chantilly, VA.
Brian J. Donato
Attorney at Hyman Phelps & McNamara, PC
Brian J. Donato practices at Hyman Phelps & McNamara, PC in Washington, DC.
Chidi I. James
Attorney at Blankingship & Keith
Chidi I. James practices at Blankingship & Keith in Fairfax, VA.
David J. Gogal
Attorney at Blankingship & Keith, P.C.
David J. Gogal practices at Blankingship & Keith, P.C. in Fairfax, VA.
Elliot C. Cook
Attorney at Finnegan
Elliot C. Cook practices at Finnegan in Reston, VA.
Eric Martin
Attorney at Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Eric Martin practices at Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP in St. Louis/Los Angeles.
Geoffrey Carter
Attorney at National Labor Relations Board
Geoffrey Carter is associated with the National Labor Relations Board in Charlottesville, VA.
Gerald F. Ivey
Co-Director at National Trial Advocacy College
Gerald F. Ivey serves as Co-Director of the National Trial Advocacy College and is a partner at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner LLP.
Hon. Alfred D. Swersky (ret.)
Judge at Circuit Court of Alexandria
Retired Judge Alfred D. Swersky served in the Circuit Court of Alexandria, VA.
Hon. Anthony Trenga
Judge at U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Judge Anthony Trenga presides over cases in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Hon. Arthur J. Schwab
Judge at U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Judge Arthur J. Schwab serves in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Hon. Barbara J. Gaden
Judge at General District Court
Judge Barbara J. Gaden serves in the General District Court in Richmond, VA.
Hon. Bernice B. Donald
Judge at U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Judge Bernice B. Donald serves on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Hon. Camile R. McMullen
Judge at Tennessee Court of Appeals
Judge Camile R. McMullen serves on the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
Hon. Catherine C. Eagles
Judge at U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
Judge Catherine C. Eagles presides over cases in the Middle District of North Carolina.
Hon. Charles N. Dorsey
Judge at 23rd Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Charles N. Dorsey serves in the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court in Roanoke, VA.
Hon. Daniel E. Ortiz
Judge at Virginia Court of Appeals
Judge Daniel E. Ortiz serves on the Virginia Court of Appeals.
Hon. David B. Carson
Judge at 23rd Judicial Circuit Court
Judge David B. Carson serves in the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court in Roanoke, VA.
Hon. David W. Lannetti
Judge at 4th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge David W. Lannetti serves in the 4th Judicial Circuit Court in Norfolk, VA.
Hon. Elliot C. Howsie
Judge at Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
Judge Elliot C. Howsie presides over cases in Allegheny County, PA.
Hon. Joel C. Hoppe
Judge at U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
Judge Joel C. Hoppe serves in the Western District of Virginia.
Hon. John F. Anderson
Judge at U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Judge John F. Anderson presides over cases in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Hon. Karen A. Henenberg
Judge at Arlington County General District Court
Judge Karen A. Henenberg presides over cases in Arlington County, VA.
Hon. Liam O'Grady
Judge at U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Judge Liam O'Grady serves in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Hon. Mark R. Hornak
Judge at U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania
Judge Mark R. Hornak presides over cases in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Hon. Mary Jane Hall
Judge at 4th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Mary Jane Hall serves in the 4th Judicial Circuit Court in Norfolk, VA.
Hon. Michael S. Nachmanoff
Judge at U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff presides over cases in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Hon. Michael Urbanski
Judge at U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
Judge Michael Urbanski serves in the Western District of Virginia.
Hon. Pamela Meade Sargent
Judge at U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
Judge Pamela Meade Sargent presides over cases in the Western District of Virginia.
Hon. Paul F. Sheridan (ret.)
Judge at Circuit Court of Arlington
Retired Judge Paul F. Sheridan served in the Circuit Court of Arlington, VA.
Hon. Robert J. Conrad, Jr.
Judge at U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina
Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. presides over cases in the Western District of North Carolina.
Hon. Robert S. Ballou
Judge at U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
Judge Robert S. Ballou serves in the Western District of Virginia.
Hon. Russell E. Carparelli
Judge at Conflict Resolutions Services
Judge Russell E. Carparelli is associated with Conflict Resolutions Services in Denver, CO.
Hon. Stephen C. Shannon
Judge at 19th Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Stephen C. Shannon serves in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court in Fairfax, VA.
Hon. Thomas D. Horne
Judge at Circuit Court of Loudoun County
Judge Thomas D. Horne serves in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, VA.
J. Brian Jackson
Attorney at McGuireWoods
J. Brian Jackson is an attorney at McGuireWoods in Charlottesville, VA.
James F. Neale
Attorney at McGuireWoods LLP
James F. Neale is an attorney at McGuireWoods LLP in Charlottesville, VA.
John A. Schwab
Attorney at John A. Schwab, Esq.
John A. Schwab practices law at John A. Schwab, Esq. in Pittsburgh, PA.
John Boneta
Attorney at John Boneta, PLLC
John Boneta practices law at John Boneta, PLLC in Leesburg, VA.
John K. Han
Attorney at Securities and Exchange Commission
John K. Han is associated with the Securities and Exchange Commission in San Francisco, CA.
John M. Williamson
Attorney at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner LLP
John M. Williamson is an attorney at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner LLP in Washington, DC.
Kathy L. Nusslock
Attorney at Amundsen Davis, LLC
Kathy L. Nusslock is an attorney at Amundsen Davis, LLC in Milwaukee, WI.
Kenneth W. Curtis
Attorney at Allred, Bacon, Halfhill & Young
Kenneth W. Curtis is an attorney at Allred, Bacon, Halfhill & Young in Fairfax, VA.
Kim M. Keenan
Professor at George Washington University Law School
Kim M. Keenan teaches at George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC.
Laura C. Bunting
Attorney at Jackson Lewis P.C.
Laura C. Bunting practices at Jackson Lewis P.C. in Pittsburgh, PA.
Lonnie D. Nunley, III
Attorney at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Lonnie D. Nunley, III practices at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP in Richmond, VA.
M. Bryan Slaughter
Attorney at MichieHamlett
M. Bryan Slaughter is an attorney at MichieHamlett in Charlottesville, VA.
Mary Lynn Tate
Co-Director at National Trial Advocacy College
Mary Lynn Tate is Co-Director of the National Trial Advocacy College and practices at The Tate Law Firm in Abingdon, VA.
Michael A. Morin
Attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP
Michael A. Morin practices at Latham & Watkins LLP in Washington, DC.
Michael C. Zogby
Attorney at Barnes & Thornburg, LLP
Michael C. Zogby is an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg, LLP in Morristown, NJ.
Michael R. Fontham
Attorney at Stone Pigman Walther Wittman LLC
Michael R. Fontham is an attorney at Stone Pigman Walther Wittman LLC in New Orleans, LA.
Morgan E. Foster
Consultant at The Pivot Process
Morgan E. Foster is associated with The Pivot Process in Washington, DC.
Patricia A. Hastings, Ph.D.
Consultant at EDGE Litigation Consulting LLC
Patricia A. Hastings, Ph.D. is associated with EDGE Litigation Consulting LLC in St. Petersburg, FL.
Prof. James J. Duane
Professor at Regent University School of Law
Professor James J. Duane teaches at Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, VA.
R. Craig Wood
Attorney
R. Craig Wood practices law in Charlottesville, VA.
Robert A. Angle
Attorney at Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
Robert A. Angle is an attorney at Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP in Richmond, VA.
Robert McCauley
Attorney at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner LLP
Robert McCauley is an attorney at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner LLP in Palo Alto, CA.
Roscoe C. Howard, Jr.
Attorney at Barnes and Thornburg LLP
Roscoe C. Howard, Jr. practices at Barnes and Thornburg LLP in Washington, DC.
Samuel A. Stern
Attorney at Stern LLC
Samuel A. Stern practices at Stern LLC in Miami, FL.
Stacey Steiner
Attorney at Allegheny County Public Defenders Office
Stacey Steiner is associated with the Allegheny County Public Defenders Office in Pittsburgh, PA.
Stephen A. Saltzburg
Director at National Trial Advocacy College
Stephen A. Saltzburg is the Director of the National Trial Advocacy College and a professor at George Washington University Law School.
Stephen D. Brody
Attorney at O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Stephen D. Brody is an attorney at O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington, DC.
Thomas E. Spahn
Attorney at McGuireWoods LLP
Thomas E. Spahn practices at McGuireWoods LLP in Tysons, VA.
Timothy Tomasik
Attorney at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC
Timothy Tomasik is an attorney at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC in Chicago, IL.
W. David Harless
Attorney at Christian & Barton, LLP
W. David Harless practices at Christian & Barton, LLP in Richmond, VA.
William B. Dyer, III
Attorney at Lee & Hayes LLP
William B. Dyer, III practices at Lee & Hayes LLP in Atlanta, GA.
Event Details
- Date
- August 8-12, 2026
- 5 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Williamsburg, United States
- William & Mary Law School
- Pricing
- $3,550 - $3,800
- Audience
- Practicing lawyers seeking to enhance their trial advocacy skills.
- CLE Credits
- 38.5 CLE hours (36.5 live, 2.0 ethics) anticipated
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