In This Section

• Overview
• Center for Children's Rights
• Center for Intellectual Property Law
• Center for International and Comparative Law
• Legal Clinics
• Private and Public Externship Program
• Institute of Student and Graduate Academic Support
• Institute for Trial and Appellate Practice
  • Advocacy Competitions
  • ITAP Concentration
• Institute for Writing and Professional Skills
• Study Abroad

Institute for Trial and Appellate Practice

Much of what lawyers do occurs outside the courtroom. Nonetheless, effective advocacy, whether in the courtroom or the board room, remains a fundamental lawyering skill.

Whittier Law School has recently launched a new Institute for Trial and Appellate Practice (ITAP) that integrates and expands its preexisting robust oral and written advocacy-related curriculum. The Director of ITAP, Associate Professor Martin Pritikin, participated in both moot court and mock trial activities while at Harvard Law School. He became a semi-finalist in Harvard’s prestigious intramural Ames Moot Court Competition, and his team won the regional championship at the American Trial Lawyer Association’s national Student Trial Advocacy Competition. Professor Pritikin, along with other Whittier faculty as well as seasoned practitioners and judges, teaches the ITAP curriculum.

ITAP also brings speakers to campus to give students an insider’s perspective on a variety of litigation and other advocacy-related topics, such as the niche of United States Supreme Court advocacy, or what it is jury consultants really do.

Student Experience

Andrea Hernandez
Class of 2009, Trial Advocacy Honors Board Member

“Participating in mock trial was absolutely my best experience in law school. Thanks to the training I received, I feel confident as I head into the working world that I can handle whatever is demanded of me. Perhaps best of all, I’ve enjoyed the friendships I’ve developed with the incredibly talented people on the trial advocacy team, all of whom have a real passion for trial work.”

Matt Easton
Class of 2009, Chief Justice, Moot Court Honors Board

“I was fortunate enough to compete in both moot court and mock trial competitions. Engaging in high-level trial and appellate advocacy against top-tier school students has given me invaluable preparation for my future as a litigator. The experience has been a real confidence booster for me, and the times I spent in advocacy activities have been my most memorable in law school. I am forever grateful to the many professors and coaches that are part of the Institute of Trial and Appellate Practice for providing me with such a rewarding and enjoyable educational experience.”

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