COVID-19 Statement
The safety of our members, colleagues, and staff is our highest priority. The American Inns of Court is closely monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 and the recommendations of the CDC and WHO. While we are currently going forward with the NATP as planned, we will keep attendees apprised of any changes to that status. In the event of cancellation, all NATP attendees will receive a full reimbursement of the registration fee. 

Join us for this unique oral advocacy training.

The American Inns of Court is pleased to offer a training program for attorneys who are looking to develop or hone their oral advocacy skills. This is intensive, highly-personalized professional development delivered through the lens of trial advocacy. It requires commitment, an open mind, the acceptance of personalized critique, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

Overview

Methodology

Who Should Attend

When & Where

Tuition

Continuing Legal Education

Travel & Hotel Accommodations

Ready to Register!

 

Questions?

Please contact Libby Bingham by email or at (571) 319-4712.

Overview

The American Inns of Court National Advocacy Training Program (NATP) is an intensive two-day program sponsored by the American Inns of Court in conjunction with the 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. Because of our close relationship with the Inns of Court in London, the American Inns of Court is able to offer this truly unique opportunity for highly personalized professional development.

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Methodology

Training is conducted in a courtroom style setting with two small groups of eight – ten participants. Two facilitators – British judges or barristers – lead each group using the six-step Hampel method of advocacy training—a best practice adopted by the Bar of England and Wales. In order to level the experience playing field, the training is based on a case set before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, involving the prosecution of a public figure for crimes against humanity under the substantive law and procedures of the court.

The program features aspects of a mock trial such as direct and cross-examination, and opening and closing arguments. Oral presentation and advocacy skills are reinforced through immediate, personal feedback, group training, and one-on-one video review sessions. While learning methods for witness handling, effective ways to phrase questions, refreshing memory, and other "tools of advocacy," the emphasis is on honing personal presentation styles, preparation skills and methods for effectively interacting with the bench and with witnesses.

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Who Should Attend

The program is designed for attorneys who are looking to develop or hone their courtroom presentation skills, generally 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. NATP is available to active Inn members, Inn alumni, and non-member attorneys.

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When & Where

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
717 Madison Place NW
Washington, DC 20439

Session A: Monday–Tuesday, September 20–21, 2021
Session B: Thursday–Friday, September 23–24, 2021

This program runs from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each day.

Deadline to apply is August 1space is limited so register now!

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Tuition

Active Inn of Court Members: $925*
Inn of Court Alumni: $1025
Non-Member Attorneys: $1125

Tuition must be received within 10 business days of registration in order to finalize participation; confirmation e-mails will be sent upon receipt.

Cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellations made no later than two weeks prior to the session date will be issued a full refund minus a $75 processing fee; cancellations received after that two-week date are non-refundable.

Tim Coleman Scholarship : Each year, one needs-based scholarship is made available for an active member of an American Inn of Court. The deadline to apply is April 15; decisions will be made by May 6. Applications should be submitted to education@innsofcourt.org.

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

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Continuing Legal Education

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 12-14 hours of CLE credits depending upon the jurisdiction.
  • Click here for a list of jurisdictions which approved the NATP in the past.

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Travel and Hotel Accommodations

Participants are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodations.

  • Travel: Washington, DC is served by three major airports. The closest airport to the NATP venue is Reagan National Airport, but either Washington Dulles or Baltimore/Washington airports may provide you with preferable flight options depending on your originating city. When making reservations, please be mindful of the early start and later end times; return flights should not be made prior to 7:30 p.m. so as not to miss any of the training. 
  • Hotel: Arrangements for a special NATP room rate are usually made and will be provided in a confirmation email. Although participants are not required to stay at the recommended hotel, it is usually one that is very convenient to the program location.

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Resources

Need Permission to Attend?

What is the Hampel Method?

Testimonials from Past Attendees

Tim Coleman Scholarship

If you have questions, 
please contact Libby Bingham
Director of Education and Mentoring Programs

Help Support This Program!

National Advocacy Training
 
If you wish to donate by check, make checks payable to "American Inns of Court", note "NATP", and send to:

American Inns of Court
225 Reinekers Lane
Suite 770
Alexandria, VA 22314
If you would like to help support the long-term success of this program with a multi-year pledge, please visit our Howard T. Markey Endowment Fund page.