Fellow – LL.M. in Trial Advocacy Program

The LL.M. in Trial Advocacy Program at Temple Law School seeks a Fellow to assist the Director in managing and executing substantive aspects of the program. This fellowship is an ideal opportunity for a recent law school graduate with a passion for trial advocacy to work closely with faculty, students, and legal professionals in a program that is at the forefront of legal education in litigation and courtroom skills.

The Fellow will not be responsible for administrative tasks, as those are handled by the program assistant. Instead, this position will focus on substantive programmatic duties including assisting with curriculum development, teaching, recruiting guest lecturers, and facilitating mock trials.

The Fellow will also serve as a coach on Temple’s National Trial Team. As a coach, the Fellow will focus on intensive student training and competition preparation. As part of a nationally recognized program, the coach will be responsible for preparing and guiding at least one squad of students for participation in mock trial competitions.

Finally, the Fellow will also assume some administration responsibilities related to Temple-LEAP (Law, Education, and Participation), helping to coordinate community outreach initiatives aimed at educating local youth about the law and their rights.

Key Responsibilities to the LL.M. Program:

• Curriculum Assistance: Assist the Director with designing and updating course materials, lectures, and practical exercises.
• Trial Simulations and Skills Exercises: Support and occasionally lead the organization of mock trials, simulations, and courtroom exercises for LL.M. students.
• Student Mentorship: Provide guidance and feedback to LL.M. candidates on trial skills, oral advocacy, and litigation strategy.
• Guest Lecturer Coordination: Assist in securing, coordinating, and hosting guest lecturers (including practicing attorneys and judges) for trial advocacy workshops and classes.
• Program Promotion: Collaborate with the Director to support recruitment efforts for prospective students through outreach events and communications.
• Research Projects: Conduct research on evolving trends in trial advocacy, courtroom technology, and legal education that can be integrated into the program.
• Assessment and Feedback: Help evaluate student performances in oral arguments, examinations, and trial exercises.

Key Responsibilities as a National Trial Team Coach:

• Coaching and Training: Oversee the preparation of one squad (comprising approximately 3-8 students) for participation in regional and national mock trial competitions.
• Conduct trial practice sessions, including witness examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments.
• Offer critical feedback and mentorship on trial technique, courtroom demeanor, and strategy.
• Competition Strategy: Assist students in developing trial themes, constructing case theories, and refining litigation skills for competitions.
• Logistical Preparation: Coordinate with students and faculty to ensure timely preparation for competitions, including document review, submission deadlines, and travel logistics.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other trial team coaches, faculty members, and guest lecturers to ensure students receive comprehensive training.
• Research and Development: Stay informed of the latest rules and guidelines for mock trial competitions and incorporate them into practice sessions.
• Performance Evaluation: Evaluate the students’ progress and performance during mock trials and provide personalized guidance to enhance their skills.

Key Responsibilities as a LEAP Coordinator:

• Coordination: Serve as a key point of contact for Temple-LEAP, overseeing the planning and execution of its educational programming.
• Coordinate with local schools, community organizations, and faculty to organize workshops and classes for students.
• Plan and lead events for students, such as Temple-LEAP “boot camp” for new mock trial participants in November and Championship Trial and Awards Ceremony for John S. Bradway High School Mock Trial Competition in March.
• Serve as Regional Coordinator for John S. Bradway High School Mock Trial Competition, including:
  • Scheduling competition dates and arranging competition space, including alternative schedule spaces;
  • Coordinating with Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division on volunteer recruitment;
  • Coordinating with Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division to publish and amend Rules of Competition;
  • Creating panels of volunteers to staff each trial;
  • Investigating and resolving disputes under Rules of Competition; and
  • Liaising with state high school mock trial executive committee.
• Examine and develop opportunities for program expansion beyond high school mock trial, including in coordination with other civics education stakeholders in Philadelphia region.
• Content Development: Develop and implement lesson plans and educational materials tailored to the needs of participating youth.
• Management: Manage volunteer law students who participate in LEAP programming, ensuring that they are prepared to teach and mentor effectively.
• Outreach: Assist in fostering partnerships with schools, legal professionals, and community leaders to expand LEAP’s reach.
• Handle logistical and administrative tasks, such as scheduling, maintaining participant records, and organizing events

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.), with a strong interest in trial advocacy and litigation.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in teaching, mentoring, or training in a legal context.
• Experience with moot court, trial team, or actual trial experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.

Fellowship Details:

• Duration: One-year fellowship with the potential for renewal.
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
• Application Requirements: Cover letter, resume, and references.