New & Noteworthy

Preparation for a Practical Career

Institute for Trial and Appellate Practice

• ITAP encompasses the Trial Advocacy Honors Board (TAHB) and the Moot Court Honors Board (MCHB). These organizations provide students with training and experience in all aspects of trial and appellate advocacy.
• Students selected to join TAHB and MCHB then represent Whittier Law School at many regional, national, and international interschool competitions.
• Whittier Law School also offers students the opportunity to participate in advocacy competitions not sponsored by MCHB and TAHB. For example, each year Whittier’s Center for Children’s Rights hosts a Juvenile Moot Court Competition. Whittier students also compete in a national environmental negotiations competition.

Institute for Legal Writing and Professional Skills

• Whittier Law School recognizes that strong writing and research skills are critical to a successful legal career. The Institute for Legal Writing and Professional Skills offers a rigorous and ambitious four-semester legal writing and professional skills program. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students to effectively and efficiently transition from student to lawyer. Nine full-time innovative professionals deliver a cutting edge legal education and work intensively with students throughout each year of law school.

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.”