Trial Prep with a Litigator: Inside a Real Case

About this experience

See how a trial lawyer turns a stack of documents into a story a jury can follow. Using a closed mock case file built for teaching, you will draft a case theory, outline a direct examination and practice a witness prep session with Marcus playing the witness.

After lunch you head to the courthouse to watch public proceedings from the gallery, with Marcus explaining objections, strategy and courtroom etiquette as they happen. The day ends with a candid talk about what the job pays, how cases come in and what law school does not teach.

Your day

1. 9:00 AM

   Case file review

   Read the mock case file and identify the facts that matter and the ones that hurt.

   1 hr

2. 10:00 AM

   Build a case theory

   Work with Marcus to write a one-paragraph theory of the case and a list of themes.

   1 hr

3. 11:00 AM

   Witness prep drill

   Outline a direct examination and run it, then face a mock cross-examination.

   2 hr

4. 1:00 PM

   Courtroom observation

   Watch public hearings or a trial from the gallery with running commentary during breaks.

   2 hr 30 min

5. 3:30 PM

   Debrief and career Q&A

   Billing, client intake, firm life versus solo practice and how to get trial experience.

What’s included

• Mock case file and exercise materials
• Lunch near the courthouse
• Sample direct and cross-examination outlines to keep

Good to know

• You will sign a confidentiality agreement. No real client matters or privileged discussions are shared; all prep uses a mock case.
• Courtroom time is limited to proceedings open to the public, and what is on the docket varies day to day.
• Business attire; courthouse security requires a photo ID and no prohibited items.
• This is an educational experience and not legal advice.

Your curator

Marcus Bell, Esq.16 years as a trial attorney, 40+ jury trials

Marcus Bell spent six years as a county prosecutor before opening a small civil litigation practice. He has tried more than 40 cases to verdict, mostly contract and personal injury matters. He teaches trial advocacy workshops for newer lawyers.