NATIONAL CRIMINAL
DEFENSE COLLEGE

Trial Practice Institute

June 15-28 and July 13-26, 2008

Macon, Georgia

Each two-week session is limited to 96 participants, who are divided into small groups according to trial experience. The least experienced groups normally have no jury trials. It is not unusual for members of the most experienced group to have tried 75 or more jury cases.

Topics covered in the group exercises include client interviews, jury selection, direct and cross examination, impeachment and closing arguments, among others. Each participant performs daily assignments under the supervision of a member of the nationally recognized faculty. Faculty members rotate daily, and videotape is provided in every room.

Small group exercises are supplemented by faculty lectures and demonstrations. Professional actors from Laughing Matters are used in the roles of clients and witnesses.

What They're Saying about the TPI

"Not only have my skills been increased vastly, but I have also discovered a family of dedicated people to whom I can turn for help within the field...It is rare that a person gets to learn so much from such enlightened people."

"You folks not only taught skills, but you have imparted great confidence. I can't thank you enough."

"I will never try a criminal case the way I did before attending the NCDC...[It] changed my outlook on the practice of criminal law...made me a better trial lawyer and a better person."

Tuition

Tuition is $1,400 per session. A $25 registration fee, which will be applied to tuition, is non-refundable and must accompany any application. Tuition is payable upon receipt of invoice, and must be paid in advance unless other arrangements are made. Delayed payment arrangements may be made with public defender offices where necessary. Meals provided from tuition include: scheduled social events (2 dinners), coffee/light continental breakfast on weekdays, and lunches on weekdays. Participants are on their own for all other meals.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available to cover all or part of tuition of those whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent their attendance. Scholarship decisions should be completed no later than the end of April. Please be sure to complete the scholarship request on the application form. Please note: all financial aid recipients will share a room with another participant (no single rooms).

Admissions

The admissions process for both sessions will begin in March. Successful applicants receive letters and a postcard to be returned by the applicant. Upon NCDC's receipt of that confirming postcard, a registration will be considered firm.

Applications

Applications will exceed enrollment by a substantial number. You are encouraged to apply early. Initial acceptances will be made from Application Forms received by March 15. Late applications and those not selected will be placed on a waiting list. Members of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and those who represent indigent clients in criminal matters will be given priority. Because of the defense orientation of this program, those who regularly prosecute cases in any court are referred instead to the National College for District Attorneys (NCDA) in Columbia, South Carolina.

Continuing Legal Education Credits

NCDC applies for CLE accreditation for this program in states where participants request credit. NCDC programs are approved in most jurisdictions. Where a state charges for credits, charges are passed along to participants requesting credit from that state.

Use our nifty CLE generator to see how NCDC can satisfy your state's CLE requirements.

Housing

Double: $600 (shared with another participant)
Single: $1,200 (limited availability)
All participants stay at Ramada Plaza Macon. The hotel is near restaurants and Mercer Law School. The after-hours contact with other participants and faculty is an essential part of the College experience. Hotel reservations must be made through the College, NOT directly to the hotel. Scholarship recipients will share rooms with other participants. Several group social events are planned throughout the session.

Meals

NCDC recognizes that many of our participants have special needs diets. We try to accomodate those needs wherever we can. But we cannot do this without your help. Please fill out the Special Diet Form and submit it to us with your application. As always, we want you to enjoy your NCDC experience without worrying about where or what your next meal will consist of. If you do not submit this form, we will not be able to accommodate you when you arrive.

Cancellations

Cancellations will be accepted until June 1 for the June session and July 1 for the July session. Fees (less registration fee) will be refunded for cancellation received before the above dates. After those dates, full tuition will be charged in the space cannot be filled from the waiting list.

Macon, Georgia

Macon, Georgia, has a population of about 140,000 and is located 75 miles south of the Atlanta airport on Interstate 75. The city features many locations of historical and architectural interest. Macon has the usual complement of night spots and several good restaurants. The Mercer Law School, where classes are held, is located in Macon's In-Town Historical District.

Flying into Macon is neither practical nor convenient, since nearly all flights into the city require a stopover and plane change to a commuter carrier in Atlanta, and the Macon airport is inconveniently located.

Limousine service from the Atlanta airport to Macon is available through several shuttle services. Cost should not exceed $60 roundtrip. Many participants have found it convenient to rent cars at the Atlanta airport and follow these directions to Macon, the Ramada Plaza Hotel and NCDC. You will also find links to travel websites here.

Each session begins on a Sunday with a welcoming dinner at 7:00 p.m. and ends at noon on a Saturday. Once enrolled, participants are expected to attend the entire program, including the welcoming dinner on Sunday and the final session on the last Saturday.

As many instructors are needed for the sessions and lectures associated with the Trial Practice Institute, please refer to our list of faculty members for names of potential instructors.

Links to Macon:

Macon's Hometown Newspaper: The Macon Telegraph
Macon's Favorite Landmark: The Georgia Music Hall of Fame
Continually Improving on Macon: The Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

 

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