Trial Practice
If you're looking to build confidence in oral advocacy or sharpen your public speaking skills in a legal setting, Trial Practice is an ideal upper-division course open to all students — no prior advocacy experience required.
Course Details
Trial Practice is a 3-unit upper-division elective designed for students who want
to build confidence in oral advocacy and sharpen their public speaking skills in a
legal setting — no prior experience required.
The course combines weekly lectures on trial fundamentals — like case theory, evidentiary
rules, and courtroom procedure — with small, skills-based sections led by practicing
attorneys. In these sessions, students receive individualized feedback as they learn
and perform core trial skills, including opening statements, direct and cross-examinations,
and closing arguments.
The semester culminates in two full mock trials — one at midterm and one at the end
— where students present a complete case in front of live jurors. These simulations
provide a powerful, hands-on introduction to courtroom advocacy in a structured and
supportive environment.
Whether you're planning a litigation career or just want to become a more persuasive
speaker, Trial Practice gives you the tools to advocate with clarity, confidence,
and impact.
Current Professors
Jason Conge, ‘10
Jason, a 2010 graduate of CWSL and former Trial Team competitor, has built an impressive career as a public defender in San Diego. Since graduation, he has tried nearly 70 jury trials to verdict and currently serves as a supervisor at the Public Defender’s downtown branch, overseeing a team of attorneys and mentoring junior lawyers. In addition to his courtroom work, Jason is a longtime Trial Team coach and adjunct professor at California Western, where he teaches and guides aspiring advocates. His commitment to justice and dedication to legal education have made him a respected leader both in the community and at CWSL.
Chris Lee, ‘16
Chris, a former Trial Team competitor at CWSL, is a founding partner of Golshani Lee LLP, where he focuses on personal injury and business litigation, with extensive trial experience achieving favorable verdicts and arbitration outcomes. Before starting his firm, Chris worked on the defense side for major insurance companies, gaining valuable insight into case valuation and settlement strategies to better advocate for his clients. In addition to teaching Trial Practice, Chris also regularly coaches the CWSL Trial Team, serves on the CWSL Alumni board, and actively participates in multiple diversity bar organizations.
Lindsey Burnette, ’13
Lindsey, a 2013 graduate of CWSL and former Trial Team competitor, spent 11 years as a dedicated public defender in San Diego, trying nearly 40 jury trials to verdict. Recently, she transitioned to civil practice at the Office of County Counsel, where she applies her extensive trial experience to a new area of public service. Lindsey has been deeply involved in CAP since graduating from CWSL, either as a Trial Team coach or as an adjunct professor, passionately mentoring students and helping develop the next generation of skilled advocates.
Trial Practice
For more information about the course, please email us at JavaScript Required.
San Diego, CA 92101