Academic Advantages - SECOND YEAR

Advocacy training is a cornerstone of the Cumberland curriculum, equipping students with skills to prepare them for successful careers in the courtroom, boardroom, or other areas. Skills courses for all aspects of lawyering are offered after students have mastered the fundamentals of torts, contracts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and evidence. These courses are limited to as few as eight students, ensuring each receives personalized instruction in the following:

Negotiation
Mediation
Case preparation
Trial evidence
Jury selection
Technology use
Direct examination
Cross examination
Problem witnesses
Expert witnesses
Closing arguments

Opportunities to strengthen trial-related skills are available through intra-school competitions.

The Trial Advocacy Board sponsors the following:

Mock trial and arbitration competitions, in which two-person teams present preliminary motions, opening statements, direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and closing arguments

Client counseling competitions, in which teams interview mock clients and are judged on their ability to communicate, elicit facts, advise, and recommend appropriate actions

Negotiation and mediation representation competitions, in which teams are judged on how they use an effective combination of advocacy skills and problem-solving abilities. Participants learn about each other’s interests, brainstorm options, and select and shape a solution that meets their interests

The Henry Upson Sims Moot Court Board sponsors moot court competitions, simulating actual appellate arguments.

Students selected from these programs represent Cumberland in national trial and appellate court competitions.

Cumberland offers the Certificate in Trial Advocacy, a mark of excellence and achievement for students who excel in this area.

Helpful Cumberland Navigator: Related Pages
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