Program Highlights

  • Explore all roles of a challenging case acting as defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, or judge
  • Develop your legal skills by researching evidence, crafting arguments, and preparing and examining witnesses
  • Experience a unique view of the legal profession that is personal and insightful from seasoned lawyers or legal scholars
  • Gain insight into the wide range of career options in the legal field

Program Highlights

  • Explore all roles of a challenging case acting as defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, or judge
  • Develop your legal skills by researching evidence, crafting arguments, and preparing and examining witnesses
  • Experience a unique view of the legal profession that is personal and insightful from seasoned lawyers or legal scholars
  • Gain insight into the wide range of career options in the legal field
  • W H E N
    • Late June: June 23-July 5, 2019 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY)
    • Early July: July 7-July 19, 2019 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY)
    • Late July: July 21-August 2, 2019 (RESIDENTIAL ONLY)

Overview

The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal” and lawyers are on the front lines of defending this right. If you believe that every person deserves the opportunity to receive legal justice, then it is time to start refining your legal skills! This program introduces students to vital techniques that are used by trial lawyers throughout the United States. Real world experts will share their knowledge about Trial Law and students will hear the inside scoop on law school and the admissions process.

Note: Summer Springboard – Session 1-3 – 2019 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.

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.

Real World Insights

During the program, students will meet with legal professionals to gain insight into their daily activities and learn more about their career journeys. This will be a unique opportunity for students to ask questions and get exposure to a “day in the life” of legal and judicial experts.

Career Exploration

We will 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.

Faculty

Instructor - Courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.

Curriculum Advisor - While instructors vary each year, the Curriculum Advisors ensure continuity in our curriculum. This course was designed by Stuart Rennert, a partner at McKool Smith, P.C. in Washington, DC with more than twenty-five years of experience litigating and trying complex litigation cases. Previously, he helped lead the United States’ RICO case against major cigarette manufacturers, United States v. Phillip Morris, as a member of the United States Department of Justice. Professor Rennert is a graduate of Harvard Law School, has studied at the London School of Economics, and received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College.

Instructor

George Muksian, J.D., Ed.M., M.A.

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.).

Full Program Schedule