NITA Conference Helps Train Trial Attorneys the Skills Needed in Personal Injury Litigation
Attorneys who represent personal injury victims or handle personal injury litigation should attend one of the periodic conferences conducted by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. I had the privilege of serving on the faculty for the recent week-long NITA conference at the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis and I am proud to report that it was a wonderful success.
NITA provides training of legal advocacy skills for lawyers with all ranges of skills, but is particularly helpful to those attorneys who have less experience in the courtroom or wish to refine their skills. The conference seeks to teach advocacy skills in all facets of litigation, with a 4:1 student/faculty ratio and a volunteer faculty of judges, professors and practicing attorneys from around the country.
The conference in Indianapolis last week focused on examination of lay and expert witnesses, as well as opening statements and final arguments. It concluded with a mock trial by all participants. NITA conferences utilize a learn-by-doing method, with immediate feedback and demonstations by faculty members. Participants are welcomed into the NITA "family" and receive NITA certification at the end of the conference.
In addition to the legal training, NITA training conferences are a wonderful opportunity to meet and network with other lawyers from around the country. This conference included attendees from Virginia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, D.C., Illinois, Tennessee and 5 other states, as well as a large group from across Indiana.
It is also a wonderful experience for the faculty. I found it invigorating to work with so many lawyers willing to teach younger lawyers, passing on subtle tips about trial advocacy in an effective, professional and ethical manner. The faculty members, including long time NITA veterans, return regularly from their practices in New Hampshire, Iowa, Chicago, and Scotland, and include some of finest attorneys and judges in Indiana.
If you are interested in learning more about the National Institute for Trial Advocacy or want to attend one of their conferences, I encourage to go to their website at www.nita.org.
