Trial Law at UC San Diego

Get an in-depth look into the legal profession and parts of the judicial system

Summer Springboard program located on the campus of UC San Diego

Program Highlights

Assume the role of trial attorney as you try a challenging case by researching evidence, preparing and 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

Explore all roles of a challenging case acting as defense attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, jurors, or judge

Visit a law school to learn more about your future profession

Conduct your mock trial at the San Diego Superior Court

Residential Tuition :
$5,698

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298

Session 2:
July 13, 2025 July 25, 2025

UC San Diego
San Diego, CA

Course Overview

The Trial Law program at UCSD is the perfect introduction for any aspiring lawyer. Students will explore concepts such as US Constitutional law, legal writing, contracts, criminal law, and torts law. Students will attend an excursion to Cal Western School of Law to learn more about the academic requirements to become a lawyer. The course will culminate in a mock trial at the San Diego Superior Court, giving students the opportunity to act as real lawyers in a courtroom.

Meet your instructor

Michael Hirman

Trial Law

Michael R. Hirman is an attorney who has practiced privately for more than 20 years. In his practice he has litigated cases in civil court, family court and immigration court.

Learn more

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, formulate your arguments, and have a strong closing statement to impress and win over the judge and jury.

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.