Library Trials Free Audio Case and Video Trial Database

Through November 1st the Library has a trial subscription to AudioCaseFiles . The product is an online database of over 1,000 audio opinions and over 4,000 hours of trial videos. It’s an excellent tool to help all students, especially those interested in trial advocacy, to improve their skills.

Students may download AudioCaseFiles audio opinions to a computer and upload right to any MP3 or iPod device. You know what that means…now you can jam out to opinions from your casebooks while you are driving, while you ride the “el”, or even when you are taking a break to hit the gym. AudioCaseFiles is perfect for law students because it allows flexibility for those students who want to multitask while studying or even for those students who are audio/visual learners.

In addition to the audio opinions, AudioCaseFiles has trial videos of some of the best litigators in the country that allows students to watch actual advocates in action. Organized by jurisdiction, practice area, openings, closings, experts, and law firm, just to name a few, Professor Tom Keefe, Associate Director for Instruction and Electronic Services of the Louis L. Biro Law Library, says that the strength of a tool like the trial videos component is that it allows students to watch real live examples of top-notch trial attorneys in action. This is especially important at a school with students who are seeking to excel in trial advocacy. You can watch advocates lay foundations, argue hearsay objections, and conduct themselves in a courtroom.

Don’t wait! Log on to audiocasefiles.com today! You can sign up by going to the AudioCaseFiles Website and clicking on the ‘sign up’ tab. You will be asked for your school affiliation and school e-mail address. You must use your JMLS student e-mail address!

If you have questions or comments, or if you would like more information, please contact Tom Keefe in the Library,

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1L Client Counseling Competition

Would you like to know more about Client Counseling? If you are a second semester 1L, then you are in luck! The Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution hosts its very first annual Intrascholastic 1L Client Counseling Competition on Friday, October 2, 2009. As a competitor you interact with attorneys practicing right here in Chicago who evaluate your performance. You and a partner of your choice will act as two attorneys counseling a client at an initial interview in your law office. The “client” has hidden facts that you must discover while interviewing and then counseling them through their office visit. Afterwards, the client leaves and you both discuss the legal aspects of the issue and practical steps in resolving that issue.

The evaluators judge you on the ability to interact with a client and counsel them while maintaining a professional demeanor and determining relevant legal issues. As a competitor, the evaluators will offer a brief critique of your performance, before you move on to round 2. This feedback is specific to your own strengths and weaknesses and can help guide you through the rest of law school and into your future career. At the reception to follow you will be able to network with these evaluators, discuss the competition, and maybe even get some helpful advice. In addition to a great experience, this competition will give you the opportunity to meet practicing attorneys and get some real insight into the practice of law.

Here are the steps to take to get signed up:

1.  Next Monday, September 21, 2009 grab a buddy who will be your teammate and sign up in room 411. The competition is limited to 10 teams of 2 students. Teams will be provided a coach by the trial advocacy office.

2.  After signing up, pick up the competition problem and instructions.

3.  From the competition information web page, view past final rounds of the ABA Client Counseling Competition. Also, there is a video you can watch specific to this competition.

4. You will be notified to attend a question and answer session following sign-ups.

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Mock Trial Tryout: My Experience

Trying out for a trial team can be a rewarding experience. It requires hard work, dedication, and confidence. If you are interested in trial advocacy and practicing law as a litigator, trying out for a trial team can be a great opportunity to get this experience.

Each semester before try-outs, I always get a little nervous but excited at the same time. This semester was my third time trying out and I always go about preparing for my try-out the same way. After I read over the problem a few times, I brainstorm some ideas for a theme to use. Then I work on creating a 5-7 minute argument that goes along with my theme and/theory of the case.

Once I have my closing argument written, I work on memorizing, so that I won’t have to use notes during my try-out. I always force myself to stand in the middle of my living room and memorize paragraph by paragraph, each time going through the whole argument until I have it completely memorized. I also always have a friend listen to me. It helps to practice in front of someone before you have to do it for real before the evaluators and videocam.

Right before I tryout, I always get that nervous feeling, but once I deliver my first line it starts getting better. I have learned that it is important to be personable and engaging at the same time. You want your audience to want to listen to what you have to say, while being conversational, like talking to your friend. I have learned that if you feel confident in yourself and your preparation, you will exude that confidence when you walk into your tryout. If you believe in yourself, it shows.

This semester I was selected to participate on the Buffalo-Niagara Mock Trial Team, which is amazing. I love trial advocacy and always work very hard when trying out for teams, which has paid off. I am very excited to be on this team and the team is excited about our prospects of winning this competition.

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