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:
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.
