Trial Advocacy Program

At the conclusion of the new ADAs' first year of practice, the Trial Advocacy Program offers ADAs the opportunity to sharpen their developing trial advocacy skills. The program begins with a lecture series that instructs on all phases of trial practice. ADAs then are assigned to small groups, each led by an experienced senior ADA. Each participant prepares motions in limine, voir dire, openings, directs, crosses, and summations based on the case materials. Notable expert trial attorneys both from within the Office and from the Criminal Bar and Bench meet with the ADAs and critique their performances. In addition, some of state's leading criminal attorneys offer demonstrations. The program culminates in a mock trial held in New York State Supreme Court, with a real judge and volunteer jurors and witnesses.