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Overview

The National Advocacy Training Program (NATP) is an intensive two-day program focused on oral advocacy.  The program is delivered by experienced trainers who are members of the English Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA) in London.  The ICCA, established by the four Inns of Court in London, is comprised of leading barristers and judges who provide guidance and training in the pursuit of excellence in advocacy. The involvement of the ICCA makes this program unlike any other offered in the United States.

Methodology

The NATP uses an International Criminal Court case as the backdrop for developing U.S. trial elements, which effectively "levels the playing field" between the participants' varying levels of experience.  The program relies on small group (6-8) interaction to produce the most personalized program.  The facilitators are all trained the six-step Hampel method of advocacy training - a best practice adopted by the Bar of England and Wales.

The program incorporates common trial aspects such as direct and cross-examination and opening and closing arguments. Oral presentation and advocacy skills are reinforced through immediate, personal feedback, and observation of the other group members' critiques. While participants will learn methods for witness handling, effective ways to phrase questions, how to “refresh” a memory, and other "tools of advocacy," the emphasis is on finding or developing personal presentation styles, preparation skills and methods for effectively interacting with the bench and with witnesses.  

Who Should Attend

The program is designed for attorneys who are looking to develop or hone both their in-person and virtual courtroom presentation skills, and are usually within two to ten years of practice. (Attorneys who have been practicing longer but without the opportunity to argue in court may also find value in the program.) All participants should feel comfortable working in a group and receiving public critiques of their performances. 

When & Where

• Monday, October 27, 2025 through Tuesday, October 28, 2025
• 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET (both days)

The program will be held at the federal courthouse in Philadelphia, PA

James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse
601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Participants must plan on attending both full days of training; please be sure your travel plans will not require you to miss any part of the training. 

Finances

Tuition: $925*

Tuition must be received at the time of registration, or, upon request, no later than 10 business days after registration, in order to finalize participation; confirmation e-mails will be sent upon receipt.

If you need to cancel your participation in the program for any reason, notice must be received in writing (email) no later than September 15. Cancellations received on or prior to September 15 will receive a refund for fees paid minus a $75 processing fee; those received after September 15 will not receive any refund.

*Financial assistance may be available to some members on a need basis; email your inquiry.

Scholarship Available: Some American Inn of Court members may be eligible for the Tim Coleman Scholarship; applications are due July 15 and notifications will be made in early August. 

Hotel and Travel

There is no hotel block for this program, but there are plenty of affordable hotels within walking distance of the courthouse.

The closest major airport to Philadelphia is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Philadelphia International Airport is located about 9 miles from Center City Philadelphia. 

The closest Amtrak station is the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, located at 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. 

When registration has closed, the program will be submitted for CLE approval from the participants’ state jurisdictions; approval is generally granted in advance of the program. (Late applicants may not find out until after the program is over if they are from a jurisdiction that had not already been approved.)

• All participants will receive a certificate of completion, along with whatever other information is requested by the jurisdiction, or whatever an attorney may need to self-report.
• The program is eligible for at least 12-14 general CLE credits in most jurisdictions. Participants who want to receive CLE credit are encouraged to apply early so we can ensure enough time to research and apply in any given state.
• The program has already been approved in Pennsylvania. Click here for a list of other jurisdictions  which have approved the live NATP in the past.