Litigation Skills Program

Professor Tamara Lave to Take the Reins of Prized Litigation Skills Program
Dean Anthony E. Varona recently announced the appointment of Professor Tamara Rice Lave to faculty director of the litigation skills program at the University of Miami School of Law.... Professor Emeritus Laurence M. Lonny Rose and litigation skills program senior manager Lydia Sanchez have built the litigation skills program over the course of more than three decades into one of the pillars of Miami Law. Read full announcement.

Litigation Skills for a Modern Legal Environment

The Litigation Skills program invites students to engage in rigorous, hands-on training providing them with the practical skills necessary for competent professional legal service.

It's true...

Although the number of courtroom trials may be declining...litigation departments at major law firms, government agencies, prosecution and defender offices, and legal service organizations continue to staff and hire at record numbers because litigation skills prepare students for all types of legal careers.

Taught by a faculty of experienced trial lawyers and judges, almost 75 percent of second and third-year law students enroll in this six-credit course.

What are Litigation Skills?

Technical Litigation Skills Covered Include:

Career Skills Developed Include:

Litigation Skills are for EVERY Law Student

• Litigation skills are learned, not inherent.
• Any personality type can be developed into an effective litigator.
• The most successful litigators are the most prepared and most willing to work.
• Students willing to dive into the facts of a case and take the time to master the rules can succeed in a litigation career.

Learn Directly from Judges and Prominent Attorneys

• Full-time faculty members direct the program, and outstanding adjunct faculty of more than 65 highly experienced trial attorneys and judges from both state and federal courts assist with the demonstrations, trial, and pre-trial courses.
• Receive critique and feedback from sitting judges and practicing lawyers in small groups.
• Meet prominent members of the local legal community. Network. Meet future mentors and employers.

Litigation Skills Faculty

The Litigation Skills Program Faculty is comprised of experienced law firm partners, trial lawyers, federal and state judges, prosecutors, and public defenders who work closely with student presentations in simulated courtroom and law office situations.
 

Become Practice Ready

• Litigate a case from start to finish.
• Receive immediate feedback after each performance.
• The program culminates in a final trial where students bring together the skills they acquired throughout the semester and conduct a full mock trial before real jurors.
• Gain the practical experience employers are looking for.

Earn a Scholarship

Top students who distinguished themselves through their hard work and talent are rewarded with generous scholarships (figures shown from 2020 award winners):

The Marco A. Vazquez Memorial Scholarship: $7,000
The scholarship was established in 1996 in memory of Marco A. Vazquez, a 1993 graduate of the school of law, and is awarded each semester to an academically qualified second- or third-year law student who has completed the Litigation Skills Program and who has demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to Cuban/American students.

The John M. Hogan Fund for Public Interest Litigation: $5,000
Awarded to memorialize John Hogan’s life and legacy. The law firm of Holland & Knight established the John M. Hogan Fund for Public Interest Litigation at Miami Law to be used to provide scholarship assistance to Hogan Scholars—law students who are certified legal interns with a preference given to students who wish to be placed at Legal Services of Greater Miami or the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office.

The Ervin A. Gonzalez Endowed Scholarship: $5,000
The scholarship is awarded to a student that has shown excellence in litigation skills.

The Richard L. Lapidus Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund: $5,000
The scholarship is awarded to a student who has excelled in the Litigation Skills program and demonstrated a clear understanding of legal ethics.

The Daniel S. Pearson Endowed Scholarship: $4,500
The award is given to students who show great promise as trial lawyers and dedication to public service and the highest standards of professionalism.

The Litigation Skills Adjunct Faculty Scholarship: $4,000. The scholarship is awarded to a second- or third-year law student who has shown excellence in advocacy, professionalism, and civility in the Litigation Skills I class and demonstrated financial need. The faculty confer on the recommendations, and the final determination is made by the director of the Litigation Skills Program, in consultation with the dean.

The John F. Evans Memorial Scholarship: $3,500
The scholarship was established in 1989 in memory of John F. Evans, a criminal defense attorney, former deputy chief of the U.S. State Department’s Miami Strike Force, and founding partner of the law firm of Zuckerman, Spaeder, Taylor and Evans. It is awarded each semester to a second- or third-year student who has expressed an interest in trial practice.

The Honorable Theodore Klein Endowed Scholarship: $3,000
Established in 2006 in memory of Theodore Klein, an outstanding lawyer, law professor, federal magistrate, and a leader among his peers. The scholarship is awarded each semester to a rising second or third-year law student who has demonstrated financial need, demonstrated ability and excellence in oral and written advocacy and has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service.

American Board of Trial Advocates: $1,000
Awarded each year to a student who has excelled in the Litigation Skills Program and has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and civility.

The Honorable Stanford Blake Award: $500
The award is given to a second- or third-year student who has excelled in trial skills.

The Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton Scholar
Established in 1995 by one of Miami’s leading law firms, it is awarded to a minority law student who has completed Litigation Skills and has expressed an interest in trial advocacy.

The Thomas Ewald Memorial Award
This award is given each semester to the student in Litigation Skills who best exemplifies the devotion to high standards and ethical conduct followed by Tom Ewald.

Director’s Book Award for Excellence in Litigation Skills
The award is given to a student(s) that shows great promise in trial advocacy.