Event Calendar

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

WACDL Trial Skills Academy

Start Date: 9/10/2025 3:00 PM PDT
End Date: 9/13/2025 11:30 PM PDT

Venue Name: The Historic Davenport Hotel

Location:
333 West Spokane Falls Boulevard
Spokane, WA  United States  99201

Organization Name: WACDL

Contact:
WACDL
Email: info@wacdl.org
Phone: (206) 623-1302

The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) is proud to host its 2025 Trial Skills Academy – a hands-on trial training designed for both private and public defense attorneys at all stages of practice. Whether you're a seasoned litigator seeking to refine your edge or a new attorney looking to build confidence in the courtroom, this academy provides an accessible, high-impact alternative to cost-prohibitive national programs.

Trial Academy Session Highlights:
  • Developing Case Theme & Theory — featuring NCDC Faculty, Andrea George, Chief Federal Defender, Eastern Washington and Idaho
  • Mastering Voir Dire — featuring Rachel Forde, Senior Attorney, Snohomish County Public Defender Association
  • Crafting a Persuasive and Effective Opening — featuring NCDC Faculty, Amy Rubin
  • Closing the Deal: Advancing Your Theory of Innocence — featuring NCDC Faculty, Lorinda Youngcourt
  • Strategies for an Effective Cross-Examination: Controlling the Witness — featuring NCDC Faculty Member, John Lentine (Birmingham, AL)
  • Impeachment and the Art of Verisimilitude — featuring NCDC Faculty, Sam Dennis (Valdosta, GA)
*Plus additional lecture and skills practice on all aspects of trial advocacy (opening, direct examination, client interviewing, etc.)

Location:
  • The Historic Davenport Hotel | Spokane, WA
  • Breakout Sessions at the Federal Defender's Office
Registration Costs:
  • $425 | WACDL Members
  • $525 | Non-Members
  • $400/person | Group Rate (5+ from the same firm or office)
Lodging Discounts:
  • Davenport Hotel, Autograph
  • $228 per night
  • Last Day to Book: Friday, August 15, 2025
  • Book Here
Scholarships:
  • A limited number of scholarships are available that cover all or part of tuition of those whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent their attendance.
  • To apply, send a cover letter to info@wacdl.org by July 18th, 2025.