TDLA Young Lawyers:
Get ready to level up your litigation game! TDLA Trial School is your chance to learn from a powerhouse faculty of seasoned trial pros who’ve been in the trenches. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to build real courtroom skills and gain insider insights from some of the best in the business! The Trial School is set for January 23-24, 2026 in downtown Nashville.
The TDLA Trial School combines engaging classroom instruction with a hands-on trial experience using a NITA case file. Participants will step into the role of trial attorney, practicing everything from voir dire and opening statements to direct and cross-examinations, introducing exhibits, and delivering compelling closing arguments.
Participants will receive real-time feedback on their trial presentations from experienced judges and coaches—and best of all, they'll hear actual jury verdicts at the conclusion of their trials!
Approximately two weeks before the Trial School, participants will be paired with a mentor and attend a 'pre-trial conference' to help prepare for the program.
~ TDLA Trial School Testimonials ~
- "The TDLA Trial School was a great experience. The ability to work through a mock trial and gain real world advice and practice tips from judges, lawyers, and other professionals in the legal field is invaluable."
- "TDLA Trial School gave me an opportunity to practice examining witnesses and my public speaking skills. It was great to simulate a trial and understand the preparation needed for real life trials. Feedback was constructive, and I look forward to implementing the feedback into my every day practice."
- "Great experience, especially for brand new attorneys looking to explore trial advocacy."
- "This was an excellent experience, which helped me grow as a lawyer, advocate, and storyteller."
- "TDLA Trial School was an amazing experience for a young lawyer and allowed me to gain additional experience and confidence in the courtroom!"
The Trial School will take place at the Doubletree Nashville downtown and the Davidson County Courthouse in downtown Nashville.
Registration
Registration Fee is $495/ pp. **Registrations will be limited to 12 participants** Registration will close January 7, 2026.
NEW this year! Law firms choosing to send more than one participant will receive a discount. Please contact office@tdla.net to register if sending more than one participant. Based on availability at that time so plan to reserve soon! Progressive discounts based on the number of attendees, offering deeper savings for larger groups.
Tentative Agenda
Friday January 23, 2026
DoubleTree Hotel Downtown Nashville
8:30am CST Registration opens
9am-10am CST "Theme Making in Closing Arguements"
10am-10:30am "Voir Dire"
10:30am-11:30am "Open & Direct Examinations"
11:30am-Noon "Cross Examinations"
Noon - 1pm - LUNCH
1pm-2pm "How to Act in Court and Crisis Recovery"
Afternoon Free time to meet with your group
5pm-7pm Dinner for young lawyers and mentors
Saturday January 24, 2026
Davidson County Courthouse
7:30-8:00am Breakfast at Davidson County Courthouse (Jury Assembly Room)
General Courthouse Agenda
7:45am-8:30am Courtroom Setup/ Pre-Trial Conference
8:30am-9:00am Jury Reports/ Voir Dire
9:00am-9:30am Opening Statements
9:30am-9:45am BREAK
9:45am-10:15am Plaintiff First Witness
10:15-11:00am Plaintiff Second Witness
11:00am-12:00pm Plaintiff Third Witness
12:00-1:00pm LUNCH at Courthouse
1:00-1:45pm Defense First Witness
1:45-2:30pm Defense Second Witness
2:30-3:15pm Defense Third Witness
3:15-3:30pm BREAK
3:30-3:45pm Closing Arguments
3:45-4:30pm Jury Deliberations/ Participant Discussions on out of Jury Presence
4:30-5:15pm Verdict/ Adjourn
Hotel:
DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Downtown Nashville
315 4th Ave, North
Nashville, TN 37219
Room rate is $239/ night
Reservation by phone: 1-800-222-8733 Refer to the Group Code 919
Hotel Reservation Link: Click Here
