Start Date: 9/10/2025 3:00 PM PDT
End Date: 9/13/2025 11:30 AM PDT
Venue Name: The Historic Davenport Hotel
Location:
10 South Post Street
Spokane, WA United States 99201
Organization Name:
WACDL
Contact:
WACDL's 2025 Trial Skills Academy is SOLD OUT with small groups at capacity.
There are still spots open for LECTURE ONLY.
Register Here
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
- How to Craft a Persuasive and Effective Opening — featuring NCDC Faculty, Amy Rubin
- Closing the Deal: Advancing Your Theory of Innocence — featuring NCDC Faculty, Lorinda Youngcourt
- Persuasive Briefing — featuring The Honorable Judge George Fearing (Div. III)
- Client Interviewing — featuring Idaho Criminal Defense Attorney, Anne Taylor
- Strategies for an Effective Cross-Examination: Controlling the Witness — featuring NCDC Faculty, 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, etc.)
Visit the Trial Skills Academy webpage for the Academy schedule, faculty bios, and more up-to-date information.
Location:
- The Historic Davenport Hotel | Spokane, WA
- Breakout Sessions at the Federal Defender’s Office
Lodging:
*Please note that refunds for cancelled registrations (minus a $150 cancellation fee) can only be offered for cancellations that take place prior to September 5, 2025. After this date, we are unable to offer any cancellation refunds.
