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“I have been to several trial skills courses in my career, but the Primerus Trial Skills Academy was easily the most impactful one that I have attended. Between the incredible faculty offering literal lifetimes of experience, to the experience of actually trying a case from voir dire to verdict, Primerus has created a resource that is a must-have for any attorney regardless of whether they are a member of ABOTA or a first year associate.”
– Andrew T. Smith, Collins & Lacy, P.C.
Build Your Trial Skills
Sharpen Your Courtroom Skills: Join the Primerus Trial Skills Academy!
Join us for the second year of Primerus’ groundbreaking Trial Skills Academy – a premier training experience designed to elevate every litigator’s courtroom confidence. This year’s program features 10 high impact virtual webinars led by seasoned trial lawyers, covering essential skills such as jury selection, opening statements, evidence presentation, objections, direct and cross-examinations, trial motions, and closing arguments.
The training culminates in September’s in-person mock trials, where one attorney from each registered firm steps into the spotlight to apply what they’ve learned in a realistic courtroom setting. Participants receive personalized, practical feedback from experienced faculty – insight they can immediately carry into their next real-world case.
Registration is by law firm, giving all attorneys access to the full series of live and recorded sessions, with one firm representative selected to compete in the final mock trials.
This is your chance to invest in your team, sharpen trial skills, and gain hands-on experience that sets your firm apart. Secure your spot in this game-changing program and take your litigation practice to the next level.
September 17-19, 2026
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Drexel University and
Philadelphia City Hall
$2,499 Member Registration Fee
$2,299 Second Member Registration Fee
$2,299 Young Lawyer Member Registration Fee
Register Now!
Please note, the hotel deadline is August 26.
Agenda
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Welcome and Introductions |
| 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Trial Preparations |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Trial Preparations Ceremonial Courtroom, Room 202 |
| 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Cocktail Reception and Hors d'oeuvres Kline Institute Lobby |
Friday, September 18, 2026
Drexel University Thomas R. Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy
| 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Registration and Check In Kline Institute Lobby |
| 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Mock Trial Round 1 Constantine v Prince Ceremonial Courtroom, Room 202 Presiding Judge Team 1 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 2 (Defense) Garcia v Vertex Courtroom, Room 502 Presiding Judge Team 5 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 6 (Defense) |
| 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Networking Luncheon Kline Institute Lobby |
| 1:15 PM – 5:15 PM | Mock Trial Round 2 Constantine v Prince Ceremonial Courtroom, Room 202 Presiding Judge Team 4 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 3 (Defense) Garcia v Vertex Courtroom, Room 502 Presiding Judge Team 8 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 7 (Defense) |
| 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM | Event Wrap up and Feed Back Ceremonial Courtroom, Room 202 |
| 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Cocktail Reception and Dinner McCormick & Schmick's – 1 South Broad Street |
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Philadelphia City Hall
| 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Registration and Check In |
| 8:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Mock Trial Round 3 Constantine v Prince Presiding Judge Team 3 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 1 (Defense) Garcia v Vertex Presiding Judge Team 7 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 5 (Defense) |
| 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Networking Luncheon |
| 1:15 PM – 5:15 PM | Mock Trial Round 4 Constantine v Prince Presiding Judge Team 2 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 4 (Defense) Garcia v Vertex Presiding Judge Team 6 (Plaintiff) vs. Team 8 (Defense) |
| 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM | Event Wrap up and Feedback |
Click Here for Full Agenda
Virtual Courses
UPDATE
We’re excited to announce a new enhancement to this year’s Trial Skills Academy. Instead of hosting the virtual courses live, we are professionally recording every session – giving you and your firm on‑demand access the moment you register. No scheduling conflicts, no missed material, just high‑quality, flexible training you can watch anytime, anywhere.
| Introduction and Astronomical Verdicts Thomas Paschos, Thomas Paschos & Associates, P.C. |
| Trial Basics Nicole Quintana, Ogborn Mihm LLP |
| The Art of Persuasion: Opening Statements Gary Shockey, Gary L. Shockey, PC, who will present the plaintiff standpoint and Bob Brown, Donato, Brown, Pool & Moehlmann PLLC, who will present the defense standpoint |
| The Art of Persuasion: Closing Statements Nicole Quintana, Ogborn Mihm LLP, who will present the plaintiff standpoint and Tom Winner, Winner & Booze, who will present the defense standpoint |
| Federal Rules of Evidence Jay Downs, Downs & Stanford, P.C. |
| Direct and Cross Examination Skills Stephen Padula, Padula Law Firm |
| Jury Selection and Analysis Kristi Harrington, First Court, An IMS Legal Strategies Company |
| Examining Expert Witnesses Gary Shockey, Gary L. Shockey, PC |
| Trial Strategy: Home Runs, Singles, and Doubles John R. Brydon, Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP |
| Using the Latest Technology in Trial Tara Cheever, LIT SOFTWARE & Heather Stover, Ogden Sullivan Stover & Saar, P.A. |
Register Now!
Please note, the hotel deadline is August 26.
Questions?
Contact Katie Bundyra at kbundyra@primerus.com or by phone at +1 800.968.2211 or +1 616.454.9939