Trial Advocacy | University of Alabama School of Law

About the Program

The Alabama Law Trial Advocacy program is a skills-based curriculum that teaches students how to effectively litigate. In learning about and experiencing the pretrial and trial advocacy processes, students leave Alabama Law ready to step into litigation at the highest level. The program consists of two tracks for students to choose from: Coursework and Competition.

Coursework Track

Within this track, students have the option to take civil or criminal trial courses-all taught by experienced litigators. Both the civil and criminal courses offer students the opportunity to learn about and engage in the full pretrial and trial process.

Civil Coursework

Pretrial Advocacy: Civil – LAW 663 – 3 Hours This course provides students the opportunity to learn about and engage in the pretrial process in the context of a civil lawsuit, including investigating facts, drafting pleadings, conducting and opposing discovery, and arguing dispositive motions. This course requires regular participation by students in written and oral advocacy exercises. Trial Advocacy: Civil – LAW 664 – 3 Hours This course provides students the opportunity to learn about and engage in the trial process in the context of a civil lawsuit. Topics include theory of the case, opening statements, direct and cross examination, exhibits and demonstrative evidence, expert witnesses, and closing arguments. This course requires regular participation by students in primarily oral advocacy exercises centered on facets of the trial process.

Criminal Coursework

Pretrial Advocacy: Criminal – LAW 673 – 3 Hours This course provides students the opportunity to learn about and engage in the pretrial process in the context of a criminal case, including investigating facts, examining the grand jury and indictment process, handling preliminary hearings and bond issues, and arguing pretrial motions. This course requires regular participation by students in written and oral advocacy exercises. Trial Advocacy: Criminal – LAW 604 – 2-3 Hours This course provides students the opportunity to learn about and engage in the trial process in the context of a criminal case. Topics include theory of the case, opening statements, direct and cross examination, exhibits and demonstrative evidence, expert witnesses, and closing arguments. This course requires regular participation by students in primarily oral advocacy exercises centered on facets of the trial process.

Competition Track

The competition track is designed to prepare students to compete on an Alabama Law National Trial Advocacy team. Each year, these teams, led by highly skilled practitioners, compete in trial skills competitions against some of the top future trial lawyers in the country.

Trial Advocacy Competition Class – LAW 728 – 3 Hours This course provides students an in-depth and competitive format for learning and practicing the skills necessary to try a case. Topics include theory of the case, opening statements, direct and cross examination, exhibits and demonstrative evidence, expert witnesses, and closing arguments. Students in this class are eligible to be considered for placement on one or more of the law school’s trial competition teams. Trial Advocacy Competition Team – LAW 629 – 3 Hours Registration for this course is limited to students selected to serve on one or more National Trial Team(s). The course will consist of students preparing for and competing in a national trial competition. The prerequisite for this course is Trial Advocacy Competition Class.