Summer Springboard
Trial Law
ON THE CAMPUS OF GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY INTO LAW THROUGH THIS INTERACTIVE COURSE THROUGH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Trial Law
- Learn essential trial techniques used by lawyers across the United States, taught by real-world experts.
- Hear firsthand insights on trial law, law school, and the admissions process from experienced professionals.
- Visit key legal institutions including the D.C. Superior Court, American University Washington College of Law, and a Maryland courthouse to observe trials and court procedures.
- Participate in simulated cases, taking on roles such as defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, or judges.
- Develop critical legal skills by researching evidence, crafting arguments, and preparing and examining witnesses.
- Gain a personal and insightful perspective on the legal profession and explore a wide range of career opportunities in law.
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
About This Course
A law program for teens on a university campus in Washington, D.C.
This program introduces students to essential trial techniques used by lawyers across the United States. Led by real-world experts, students learn about trial law and get insider tips on law school and the admissions process. From the very first class, students dive into a challenging case, working throughout the program to advocate for their side. They engage in all aspects of a trial—selecting a jury, crafting opening arguments, presenting evidence, preparing witnesses for cross-examination, and delivering closing statements. This hands-on approach helps students quickly grasp legal theories and concepts while actively working to win their case.
Students also get a unique opportunity to experience the justice system firsthand through visits to the D.C. Superior Court, American University Washington College of Law, and a Maryland courthouse. They explore all roles in a case, including defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, and judges. Along the way, students develop critical legal skills like researching evidence, building arguments, and examining witnesses. With insights from seasoned lawyers and legal scholars, participants gain a personal and in-depth understanding of the legal profession and explore a wide range of career options in law.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Master courtroom processes as you defend a challenging case from start to finish. Research the evidence, craft and deliver your opening statement, prepare and cross-examine witnesses, craft your arguments, and have a strong closing statement to impress and win over the judge and jury.
Career Exploration
Discuss the wide variety of professions within the field of law, such as lawyer, paralegal, mediator, litigator, judge and more. You’ll get a deeper sense of your unique motivations and aptitudes and how that aligns with potential academic and career choices. This helps students make better informed decisions about some of life’s most important choices.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“I participated in the trial law program and I learned a lot of new things about trials and what it means to be a lawyer. I expanded my insight on the legal world and networked.”
-Lynn S. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
Meet Your Instructor
Dennis Clark, JD, currently serving as a prosecutor and instructor, brings over a dozen years of experience in the law field. With roles as a prosecutor in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Dennis has conducted nearly 50 jury trials and numerous bench trials, navigating a range of legal proceedings from suppression hearings to sentencing and violation-of-probation cases, including presentations to the grand jury. In addition to his prosecutorial duties, Dennis has been sharing his expertise as an instructor of Criminal Procedure and trial advocacy courses at American University’s Washington College of Law since 2016. Simultaneously, he plays a pivotal role in training new AUSAs (Assistant United States Attorneys) in his primary position. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies and Spanish from Colby College and earned his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America.
DENNIS CLARK

“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here and I am very likely to recommend this program to others, I enjoyed the engaging curriculum and the incredible activities.”
-Jonathan F. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
Dates & Tuition
2026 Dates |
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Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
Tuition |
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Residential Tuition: $5,698 |
Commuter Tuition: $2,998 |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
Location |
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City: Georgetown Neighborhood |
State: Washington, D.C. |
Campus: Georgetown University |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.