The annual WSBA Trial Advocacy Program offers a two-day CLE on trial skills followed by a mock trial. This seminar is appropriate for attorneys working in either the criminal or civil arena with little or no trial experience.

Topics cover the full cycle of a trial, including voir dire, objections and motions in limine, trial ethics, direct examination and exhibits, presenting evidence, cross examination and redirect, preparing witnesses, and closing arguments.

The two-day CLE will take place both online and in person at the WSBA office in downtown Seattle on Thursday & Friday, June 5 & 6. Those joining the two-day CLE in person will benefit from networking breaks throughout both days plus a catered lunch. If you have dietary restrictions and plan to attend in-person, please email CLE@wsba.org after you register.

Following the CLE, a mock trial will take place in person only at the WSBA office on Saturday, June 28. The mock trial offers attorney participants the unique opportunity to put into practice what they learned at the two-day CLE without the pressure of an actual trial and get feedback from volunteer judges.

Participants may attend the two-day CLE only or they may choose to attend both the CLE and the mock trial. Please note that the mock trial is limited to 12 participants, so those wishing to participate in the mock trial should sign up as soon as possible. Note: You will be prompted to add the optional Mock Trial to your cart during checkout.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Two scholarships are available for this program. To learn more and apply, please visit this link: 2025 Trial Advocacy Scholarship Application. Applications are due on Friday, May 2.

CO-CHAIRS
Austin Neff -  King County Department of Public Defense, Seattle, WA
Hong Tran - King County Department of Public Defense, Seattle, WA

FACULTY
Merri A. Baldwin - Rogers Joseph O'Donnell PC, Seattle, WA
Ramona Brandes - Washington Defender Association, Seattle, WA
Jason Brookhyser - King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Seattle, WA
James Carr - The Defender Association, Seattle, WA
Judge Janet M. Helson - King County Superior Court, Seattle, WA
Michael Scheuer - Heyman & Schueler, PLLC, Seattle, WA
Paul Sewell - PWRFL, Seattle, WA
Cassie Trueblood - Snohomish County Public Defender Association, Everett, WA
Lei Young - Washington State Office of Public Defense, Olympia, WA
Lindsey Whyte - Washington Innocence Project, Seattle, WA

SEMINAR AGENDA

SCHEDULE
SEMINAR DAY 1 - Thursday June 5, 2025
8:00 a.m. In-Person Registration Opens
8:10 a.m. Webcast Login Opens
8:25 a.m. Program Begins
12:45 -1:30 p.m. Lunch
  4:00 p.m. Adjourn

SEMINAR DAY 2 - Friday June 6, 2025
8:00 a.m. In-Person Registration Opens
8:10 a.m. Webcast Login Opens 
8:25 a.m. Program Begins
12:45 -1:30 p.m. Lunch
  2:45 p.m. Adjourn

MOCK TRIAL - Saturday June 28, 2025
8:30 a.m. In-Person Registration Opens
9:00 a.m. Program Begins
1:00 -1:30 p.m. Lunch
  2:15 p.m. Adjourn