Announcing the 8th American College of Trial Lawyers Trial Advocacy Program

Tuition Free Program Focusing on Excellence in the Courtroom

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA (March 23, 2026) – The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) is proud to announce its 8^th ACTL Trial Advocacy Program will be held August 21-23 in Chicago, Illinois.  ACTL is pleased that Latham & Watkins has again volunteered to host this important event.

For more than 75 years, ACTL has remained committed to the rule of law, our justice system, and excellence, equity, and ethics in trial practice.

Consistent with that commitment, ACTL hosts national trial advocacy programs, open to any lawyer seeking to develop or improve their courtroom skills. These programs help nurture the next generation of talented trial lawyers and play an important role in strengthening our justice system. The goals of the ACTL Trial Advocacy Programs are to:

• Foster excellence in advocacy
• Train the next generation of excellent, ethical trial lawyers
• Develop an increased trust, belief, and confidence in our civil justice system

This program emphasizes “learning by watching” and “learning by doing” in a simulated courtroom setting. Participants benefit from faculty demonstrations, guided discussion, performing each exercise and drill, and constructive, positive faculty critique. The program culminates with each participant, working in teams of two, trying the case contained in the case file.

There is no charge to attend and participate in the program.

All faculty members are Fellows of ACTL who volunteer their time and cover their own travel expenses because of their shared belief in the importance of our justice system. A detailed segment schedule and the case file will be distributed to attendees in advance of the event.

Participating lawyers in prior programs have described the opportunity as: “an amazing experience”; “such a rewarding and dynamic program”; “an exhilarating experience”.

Attorneys who believe they would benefit from this opportunity are encouraged to contact either of the people listed below. If you know another attorney who may be interested, please share their name and contact information with us.

Participation is open to all and offered on a first-come basis, with enrollment capped at fifty (50) lawyers. A wait list will be established once capacity is reached.

To register for the program or to ask questions, please contact the individuals listed below:

Program Chair Tom Heiden
Thomas.heiden@retiredpartner.lw.com
+1.616.560.4446

Allie Passman
Allie.Passman@lw.com
+1.312.777.7255

Maribel Garcia Ochoa
Maribel.GarciaOchoa@lw.com
+1.213.891.7945

To read the full press release, click here.