Summer Springboard
Trial Law
ON THE CAMPUS OF YALE UNIVERSITY

STEP INTO THE COURTROOM AND EXPERIENCE TRIAL LAW BY PARTICIPATING IN ALL ASPECTS OF A CHALLENGING CASE AND GAINING INSIGHT INTO THE LEGAL PROFESSION
THIS COURSE IS ONE WEEK LONG, AND YOU CAN EXTEND YOUR EXPERIENCE TO AS MANY AS SIX WEEKS BY ADDING ADDITIONAL ONE-WEEK COURSES.
Trial Law @ Yale
- Assume the role of a trial attorney by researching evidence, crafting arguments, and preparing and examining witnesses in a challenging case
- Explore every role in a complex case, including defense attorney, prosecutor, witness, juror, and judge
- Gain a personal and insightful perspective on the legal profession from seasoned lawyers and legal scholars
- Visit a courthouse and observe an active trial firsthand and get exposure to a “day in the life” of legal and judicial experts.
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
About This Course
An law program for teens on a university campus in New Haven
Get ready to dive into the world of trial law with this dynamic program that teaches students the essential techniques used by trial lawyers nationwide. Real-world experts will bring the courtroom to life, sharing their firsthand knowledge and experiences. Plus, students will get exclusive insider tips on law school and the admissions process, everything you need to know to kickstart your legal journey!
In their first class, students will be introduced to a challenging case. Throughout the program, they will advocate for their side’s victory until the judge ultimately delivers the final decision. Along the way, legal teams will select a jury, craft and present opening statements, interpret evidence, prepare witnesses for cross-examination, and deliver compelling closing arguments.
Using an experiential learning approach, students actively engage with the material while the instructor introduces key theories and concepts as they navigate the case. Participants will explore all roles in a complex case, acting as defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, or judge. They will develop legal skills through researching evidence, constructing arguments, and preparing and examining witnesses. Additionally, students gain a personal and insightful perspective on the legal profession from experienced lawyers and legal scholars, while discovering a wide range of career opportunities within the legal field.
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.
“It was a great opportunity for me to further explore a potential career path for me while also having a ton of fun. I believe wholeheartedly that this experience transformed me for the better.”
-Skye W. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
Meet Your Instructor
George Muksian combines a lifetime of courtroom experience with teaching experience at some of the nation’s top universities. He has worked as a criminal defense lawyer and prosecutor for many years, as well as having tried many cases in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts trial courts. George has also been a law lecturer at Tufts University, Johnson & Wales University and other universities. He holds degrees from Harvard University (Ed.M), Suffolk University (J.D.), Wesleyan University (M.A.), and Providence College (B.A.).
GEORGE MUKSIAN

“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 A. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 14 – June 20, 2026 |
| Session 4: July 5 – July 11, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition First Week |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $4,298* |
| Commuter Tuition: $2,498* |
| Application Fee: $99+ |
*Each subsequent week, if combined with other one-week high school courses at Yale or Oxford: Residential Tuition: $3,298, Commuter Tuition: $1,998
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 |
|---|
| City: New Haven |
| State: Connecticut |
| Campus: Yale University |
*Schedule is illustrative and is subject to change. Summer Springboard is operated independently of Yale University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not official positions, statements of advice, nor opinions of Yale University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Yale of any such views or statements.








