Training DC’s Legal Aid Attorneys: Promoting Client Success

We are dedicated to supporting trainings and technical assistance that keep DC’s civil legal aid community comprised of highly-qualified, effective attorneys.

The most recent was last month’s June 2019 Building Trial Skills training in the District, led by Administrative Law Judge Sharon E. Goodie of DC Office of Administrative Hearings and Sidley Austin LLP Partner Jeffrey Senger, both volunteers for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Participating attorneys practiced opening statements, direct and cross examinations, closing arguments, objections, and admitting evidence after learning best practices from experienced faculty representing a variety of litigation practices.

At the end of the week, attendees participated in a mock trial at the US District Court, where each had the chance to show off the critical skills and techniques they had developed. The training, while intensive, ensures that the students are learning by doing and that they are developing their careers with expert mentors along the way. 

“I found the week-long intensive trial skills training to be extremely helpful. I was on my feet practicing every day and received lots of direct, personalized feedback from seasoned trial attorneys and judges. I left feeling much more confident and capable in my trial advocacy skills. I’d highly recommend it to other young lawyers in DC and hope others get a chance to benefit from this program.” – Eleni Christidis, training participant and staff attorney for our grantee Legal Aid Society of DC

An advanced phase of this training is scheduled for September and focuses on the skills necessary to persuade a jury. Your generous support of the DC Bar Foundation funds scholarships for public interest attorneys like Eleni to attend trainings like these. Thank you!