preparation is the key to success.
We have observed that the participants who are most successful at and get the most out of the NATP are those who are prepared. While the experience of participants can vary wildly, one thing they share is a desire to better themselves and learn. These mini-tutorials are designed to ensure that everyone is on the same page in terms of basic elements of a trial. They are pretty basic in nature and are designed to be an overview; there will also be some differences with how things are done in both the UK and the ICC. The idea is to refresh your understanding of the courtroom so you can focus on elevating your performance and find your authentic advocacy groove.
In addition to being an active member of the Robert Van Pelt American Inn of Court for over fifteen years, and a former trustee of the national American Inns of Court Foundation, Prof. Steve Schmidt was instrumental in organizing the National Advocacy Training Program. He knows what it takes to perform well at trial, and has seen firsthand how a lack of familiarity with trial elements can create insecurity and impede progress in NATP participants.
Professor Schmidt, together with the American Inns of Court, have created this series of short videos to help refresh your understanding of and familiarity with the same four elements covered during the NATP:
- Opening Statements
- Direct Examination
- Cross-Examination
- Closing Arguments