Excellence in Trial Advocacy
Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University offers a nationally recognized trial advocacy program that seeks to prepare students to be courtroom-ready advocates. Through comprehensive coursework and competition experience, the program develops students' skills in case analysis, trial preparation, effective communication, witness preparation, and case presentation.
There are two components to the program: the three credit Trial Advocacy fall course, where students are trained on how to try a case, and numerous mock trial competitions in which Duquesne Kline participates such as:
- Buffalo Niagra Trial Competition
- Quinnipiac University School of Law Criminal Justice Trial Competition
- National Trial Advocacy Competition
- South Texas Mock Trial Challenge
The Trial Advocacy course is taught by actual, practicing trial attorneys, and covers all aspects of trial, from motions in limine to closing argument. Unlike traditional law school courses, students learn not by lecture, but by actually trying two cases during the course of the semester.
Every year, Duquesne Kline University sends our best trial advocacy students to compete at regional and national trial advocacy competitions. Those teams are coached by practicing attorneys, most of whom are Duquesne Kline alumni.
Trial Advocacy Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator, Peter D. Giglione, is an adjunct professor and graduate of Duquesne Kline. Giglione is a firm partner with extensive trial experience.
Membership
Students interested in participating in trial advocacy programs must audition for the trial advocacy class, an intensive five (5) credit course. Students are selected and appointed to the trial teams based on their performance in the course.
