Top AALRR Trial Lawyers and Three Judges Train Associates During Intensive Trial Academy

08.23.2016

On August 18-20, 2016, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (“AALRR”) held its inaugural Trial Academy for 16 specially selected associates. AALRR’s Trial Academy is a fast-paced, deep dive into trial strategy and technique, designed to provide associates with first-rate litigation skills.

To prepare for the Trial Academy, the associates studied a sample case file and a book on trial techniques. Top trial lawyers Mark Palin, Irma Rodríguez Moisa, and Joseph Akrotirianakis spent the first day advising the associates on jury selection, opening and closing arguments, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and other courtroom skills. The second day was dedicated to videotaping each associate giving opening arguments and conducting direct and cross-examinations, followed by a critique session by two or three experienced AALRR trial attorneys, who provided the associates with specific tactics for improvement. On the final day, each associate gave a closing argument. Then everyone was treated to a panel discussion from three judges on the “Do’s and Don’ts at Trial.”

Mark Palin, AALRR’s Managing Partner and a Trial Academy mentor, said, “Although the Trial Academy involved a significant time commitment from many of our partners and associates, it was time well spent, as our attorneys will be more confident and effective in court. And even seasoned trial attorneys like me learned a few things from our colleagues and from the judges’ panel discussion.”

“I appreciated the opportunity to practice my skills and get individualized feedback from attorneys who have tried numerous cases,” AALRR associate Daphne Hall said. “Undoubtedly, the Trial Academy made me a better lawyer.”

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About Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

With over 35 years of unwavering commitment to client service, AALRR is one of California’s leading law firms. Our diverse team brings a seasoned perspective to California’s complex legal landscape for public and private entities, with particular strength in the areas of education, labor and employment, construction, complex litigation, corporate, taxation, and white collar law. Our public sector clients include more than 400 K-12 school districts, community college districts and universities, as well as cities, counties and special districts. We also represent diverse business entities, from small, family-run businesses to publicly traded corporations. At 160 lawyers and growing, AALRR has eight offices in Cerritos, Fresno, Irvine, Pasadena, Pleasanton, Riverside, Sacramento and San Diego to serve our clients throughout California. For more information about AALRR, visit our website at www.aalrr.com and sign up for our blogs, www.aalrreducationlaw.com, www.aalrremploymentlaw.com, and www.aalrrlaborrelationslaw.com.