The annual WSBA Trial Advocacy Program offers a two-day CLE on trial skills followed by a mock trial. This seminar is appropriate for attorneys working in either the criminal or civil arena with little or no trial experience.
Topics cover the full cycle of a trial, including voir dire, objections...
The annual WSBA Trial Advocacy Program offers a two-day CLE on trial skills followed by a mock trial. This seminar is appropriate for attorneys working in either the criminal or civil arena with little or no trial experience.
Topics cover the full cycle of a trial, including voir dire, objections and motions in limine, trial ethics, direct examination and exhibits, presenting evidence, cross examination and redirect, preparing witnesses, and closing arguments.
The two-day CLE will take place both online and in person at the WSBA office in downtown Seattle on Thursday & Friday, June 5 & 6. Those joining the two-day CLE in person will benefit from networking breaks throughout both days plus a catered lunch. If you have dietary restrictions and plan to attend in-person, please email CLE@wsba.org after you register.
Following the CLE, a mock trial will take place in person only at the WSBA office on Saturday, June 28. The mock trial offers attorney participants the unique opportunity to put into practice what they learned at the two-day CLE without the pressure of an actual trial and get feedback from volunteer judges.
Participants may attend the two-day CLE only or they may choose to attend both the CLE and the mock trial. Please note that the mock trial is limited to 12 participants, so those wishing to participate in the mock trial should sign up as soon as possible. Note: You will be prompted to add the optional Mock Trial to your cart during checkout.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Two scholarships are available for this program. To learn more and apply, please visit this link:
2025 Trial Advocacy Scholarship Application.
Applications are due on Friday, May 2.
CO-CHAIRS
Austin Field - King County Department of Public Defense, Seattle, WA
Hong Tran - King County Department of Public Defense, Seattle, WA
FACULTY
Merri A. Baldwin - Rogers Joseph O'Donnell PC, Seattle, WA
Ramona Brandes - Washington Defender Association, Seattle, WA
Jason Brookhyser - King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Seattle, WA
James Carr - The Defender Association, Seattle, WA
Judge Janet M. Helson - King County Superior Court, Seattle, WA
Michael Schueler - Heyman & Schueler, PLLC, Seattle, WA
Paul Sewell - PWRFL, Seattle, WA
Cassie Trueblood - Snohomish County Public Defender Association, Everett, WA
Lei Young - Washington State Office of Public Defense, Olympia, WA
Lindsey Whyte - Washington Innocence Project, Seattle, WA
SEMINAR AGENDA
SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - Thursday June 5, 2025
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
8:25 a.m. Program Begins
12:45 -1:30 p.m. Lunch
4:00 p.m. Adjourn
DAY 2 - Friday June 6, 2025
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
8:25 a.m. Program Begins
12:45 -1:30 p.m. Lunch
2:45 p.m. Adjourn
MOCK TRIAL - Saturday June 28, 2025
8:30 a.m. In-Person Registration Opens
9:00 a.m. Program Begins
1:00 -1:30 p.m. Lunch
2:15 p.m. Adjourn
For accessibility or accommodation requests, or other questions, please email cle@wsba.org or call 206-443-9722 (toll free: 800-945-9722).
Seminar Registration Transfers, Refunds and Cancellations: In most circumstances, if you cannot attend the live event, we can
transfer your registration to the on-demand product, once available (8-10 weeks from the program delivery date). Generally, for
webcast/webinar registrations, tuition fees may be refunded, less $25 for processing, for written cancellations postmarked, emailed, or faxed up
to the start of the event. For in-person registrations, tuition fees may be refunded, less $25 for processing, for written cancellations
postmarked, emailed, or faxed by 5 p.m. up to three business days before the event. No refunds will be provided after the dates specified. You
may also send a substitute in lieu of canceling.
When applicable, specific exceptions to these policies will be noted on individual event
registration pages. Please email
cle@wsba.org with any requests or questions.