Summer Springboard
Trial Law
ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SAN DIEGO
EXPERIENCE THE REALITY OF LAW THROUGH MOCK TRIALS AND EXPERT GUIDANCE
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Trial Law
- Assume the role of a trial attorney by researching evidence preparing arguments and examining witnesses.
- Explore every role in a challenging case including defense attorneys prosecutors witnesses jurors or judge.
- Gain a unique and personal view of the legal profession through interaction with seasoned lawyers or legal scholars.
- Attend an excursion to Cal Western School of Law to learn about law school academic requirements
- Conduct a mock trial at the San Diego Superior Court to apply newly acquired skills in a real courtroom.
- Explore foundational legal topics including US constitutional law legal writing contracts criminal law and torts law
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
About This Course
On the UC San Diego campus Summer Springboard’s Trial Law program offers middle school students an immersive introduction to the legal field through interactive academic sessions excursions visits by legal professionals and real courtroom experience.
Participants will develop practical skills by researching evidence crafting and delivering statements examining witnesses and using foundational legal concepts. The experience is enhanced by visits to a law school and culminating in a mock trial at the San Diego Superior Court all designed to deepen students’ understanding of courtroom dynamics the judicial system and the path to a legal career
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.
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 had a great time! I was able to get a lot of freedom as a rising sophomore in high school. I was able to meet people from all over the world, network and cultivate long lasting friendships. Showed a lot of interesting things about myself and future career and college plans. Thanks SSB @ UCSD!”
– Remy K. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
Meet Your Instructor
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. He is licensed to practice in California and Minnesota and admitted to the United States Supreme Court. In addition to being an attorney, he holds advanced degrees in History and International Relations.
MICHAEL HIRMAN
“Overall this is one of the best camp experiences I have had! I’ve learned so much from this 2 week course (at UC San Diego) and made so many new connections with many different people!!”
– Naveen N. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Trial Law
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 28 – July 10, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 12 – July 24, 2026 |
| Session 3: July 26 – August 7, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
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: San Diego |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC San Diego |
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.