CLAFD Core Curriculum

Trial Advocacy  

This intensive training consists of presentations on various aspects of trial practice, learn-by-doing workshops, and a final mock trial. In the workshops, participants will perform various components of a trial, and faculty will provide constructive critiques. The training will teach participants to:  

• Develop a case globally, guided by a clear case theory.  
• Develop and deliver an effective and persuasive opening statement and closing argument.  
• Effectively present and cross-examine witnesses in support of the case theory.   
• Effectively use objections and exhibits at trial.  
• Adhere to ethical obligations and principles of professionalism and civility as counsel for the state and ambassador for an attorney general’s office.  

Deposition Skills  

This intensive training consists of presentations and learn-by-doing workshops designed to develop advocacy skills in discovery depositions. In the workshops, participants will conduct and defend depositions based on a fictional case file, and faculty will provide constructive critiques. The training will teach participants to:  

• Develop a strategy for deposing witnesses, guided by a clear case theory.  
• Use best practices for discovering information from a deponent.  
• Obtain admissions and engage in theory testing when deposing a witness.  
• Overcome obstructive and aggressive tactics from a difficult deponent and opposing counsel.  
• Effectively defend a deposition through witness preparation and strategic use of objections.  
• Adhere to ethical obligations and principles of professionalism and civility in a deposition setting as counsel for the state and ambassador for an attorney general’s office. 

Negotiation Skills 

This intensive training consists of presentations on different aspects of negotiation, as well as learn-by-doing workshops where participants engage in negotiations in different scenarios. The training will teach participants to:  

• Prepare for negotiations by assessing the client’s interests, options, outcomes and alternatives.   
• Negotiate effectively and productively by understanding the opposition’s interests, and by leveraging different negotiating styles.   
• Gain insight and information during the negotiation process, regardless of whether a negotiated resolution is reached.   
• Adhere to ethical obligations and principles of professionalism and civility in negotiations as counsel for the state and ambassador for an attorney general’s office.  

Witness Examination  

This intensive training consists of presentations on various aspects of witness examination and learn-by-doing workshops. In the workshops, attorneys will present and cross-examine witnesses, and faculty will provide constructive critiques. The training will teach participants to:  

• Develop a case globally, guided by a clear case theory.   
• Effectively present and cross-examine witnesses.  
• Effectively use objections and exhibits at trial. 

Legal Writing  

This intensive training is a unique opportunity for attorneys to hone their writing skills in a learn-by-doing format. Participants attend presentations on effective writing strategy and techniques and meet with faculty to receive individualized feedback of their work. This training will teach participants to:  

• Author persuasive and technically sound motions, briefs, and memoranda by:  
• Effectively structuring writings. 
• Crafting a clear and compelling introduction. 
• Constructing paragraphs that flow together. 
• Effectively marshaling authorities. 
• Edit writing to improve clarity, technique, and impact. 

In addition to the above courses, CLAFD offers trainings for attorney general staff in the areas of:

• Paralegal Training 
• E-Discovery  
• Evidence, Exhibits & Objections   
• Appellate Advocacy  

Explore CLAFD online courses.