In January, 130 Cardozo students participate in one of the most intense and longest running trial boot camp programs in the country. The Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP) is a key component of Cardozo’s hands-on training, turning the courtroom into a learning laboratory where students can put their practical skills to work and gain invaluable input from top trial attorneys and professionals in the field.
Students who want to increase their practical training during the break between semesters obtain hands-on trial lawyering coaching from more than 200 members of the legal industry, lawyers and judges who are brought in from all parts of the country to participate in this unique program.
For two weeks, the students participate in cross-examinations, interviewing and preparing witnesses, jury selection, evidentiary procedure, opening and closing arguments and every aspect of preparing for and presenting bench and jury trials. The program culminates with students conducting a full jury trial, which is videotaped so that students review their work with professionals after they make arguments. Critiques by experts are built into each day of the program.
Watch this video for more information about ITAP.
