3rd Annual National Ethics Trial Competition

March 13 - 15, 2008

The National Ethics Trial Competition is open to all ABA-accredited law schools that have demonstrated excellence in the training of law students in ethical trial practice. The purpose of this competition is to provide the opportunity for student trial lawyers to develop and display their knowledge and skills of professional responsibility in trial work. Students will conduct trials testing not only their persuasive advocacy skills but also their professional conduct and knowledge of professional responsibility as it applies to substantive issues in the trial. The competition problem will focus in part on issues of professional responsibility. Students will perform opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments, as well as argue objections based on the Federal Rules of Evidence.

Each school may bring one team of four advocates/witnesses and will be guaranteed to participate in at least two full trials. Trials are judged by distinguished members of the bench and bar, including judges of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and members of the Anthony M. Kennedy and Milton Schwartz Inns of Court. Competition rounds are hosted by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, and are held at the Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse in Sacramento, CA.

Presented by: