The ABA Section of Family Law's Trial Advocacy Institute is the premier trial training program for family law practitioners. Now in its 22nd year, this sell-out program has given nearly 1,000 attorneys the most rewarding trial experience of their career.

See below for updated Program Schedule and Course Descriptions.

Small group sections provide both the beginning and the seasoned attorney with individualized trial training. Videotape review of each day's exercises and immediate feedback from leading national authorities on advocacy and Family Law allow for extensive participatory experiences. Special workshops are presented on Evidence and Business valuation.

Early enrollment is advised; a registration application is linked below. Applications are processed based on date of receipt with full payment. Enrollment is limited to 48 attorneys, providing a ratio of one faculty member to every four students within the small working groups. The communication and interaction between students and faculty members made possible by limited enrollment results in a tremendous learning environment. The program sells out every year and many applicants are wait-listed.

The Trial Advocacy Institute consists of an entire week of intensive training. A complete program schedule, and course descriptions, are linked below. Standard programming includes Direct and Cross Examination, Use of Psychological Testing, Examination of Financial Experts, Business Valuation Advocacy, and a complete trial. A combination of lecture, demonstration, exercise and video review are used in instruction.

• 2008 Projected Course Schedule
• Course Descriptions

The Trial Advocacy Institute boasts a well-seasoned group of attorneys who make up the program's faculty.

Faculty biographies

Accreditation is requested for this program from every state with MCLE requirements. Lawyers seeking credit in Pennsylvania and Louisiana must submit a certificate and pay fees directly to those states. The Trial Advocacy Institute course contains approximately 45 CLE credits and 1 hour ethics (based on a 60-minute hour scale).

JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek
150 Clayton Lane
Denver, CO 80206

The ABA has negotiated a rate of $215 at JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek. To make reservations, please call 303-316-2700 or 866-706-7814 and refer to the ABA Family Law Section Advocacy Institute.

Reservations must be made by April 25, 2008, to get the negotiated rate.

Directions & Transportation

• Directions to the Hotel (provided by the JW Marriott Denver Hotel website)
• Super Shuttle (transportation)

Tuition for the program is $3250, with a special discounted rate of $3050 for ABA Section of Family Law members and is payable in full at the time of your application. This fee includes 7 full days of instruction and/or simulated trial practice, special workshops, course materials, textbooks, videotaping, daily lunches, transportation between the hotel and program site, and refreshment breaks. (Travel, lodging, and other meals are not included.)

To apply for admission to the program, download and fill out the form below (pdf). Please note that the form is not meant to function as an interactive form; you must download and print out the form in order to ensure that all fields are filled out properly.

• Trial Advocacy Institute Application

Submit Application
You may submit your application by fax to 312-988-6800 or you may mail it to:

ABA Section of Family Law
321 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60610

Refunds for cancellations will be in full, minus a $75 administrative fee, if the written cancellation is received by April 17, 2008. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after April 17th.