TRIAL ADVOCACY, LITIGATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Successful attorneys are highly adept in helping their clients resolve conflicts with other parties. To be effective, they must be skilled in a variety of conflict resolutions both in and out of the courtroom.
At Villanova Law, we prepare you to become an advocate for your clients through our extensive curricular and extracurricular programming in litigation and dispute resolution, including trial advocacy. Through trial advocacy and litigation, attorneys are prepared to argue in a court, while other forms of dispute resolution involve a less formal, but still impactful, approach. No matter the type of resolution, you will be required to have a thorough understanding of the law, as well as be experienced in this complex art.
Many of our classes are held in state-of-the-art courtroom-style classrooms and simulate a real courtroom experience. Our distinguished faculty includes members of the law school faculty, seasoned trial lawyers, and experienced state and federal trial court judges who will teach you how to think and execute like a lawyer.
Our Curriculum
Whether you want to pursue a career in litigation following graduation, or you simply want to get a taste of trial advocacy and dispute resolution, our comprehensive curriculum includes a wide range of courses.
In our Litigation and Dispute Resolution courses you will learn the various forms of dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation. Examples of courses include Advanced Issues in Criminal Law, Law of Investigations, Negotiation and Mediation Advocacy, Patent Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Interview/Counseling, Class Actions & Other Complex Litigation, and Deposition Strategy & Practice.
In Trial Advocacy courses, you will develop specialized skills in trial preparation, techniques and tactics by handling simulated trial problems. You will learn how to analyze a case by identifying, evaluating and using evidence to prove a claim or defense, as well as how to execute a trial strategy by conducting crisp and compelling witness examinations, handling exhibits with precision and confidence, and delivering clear and persuasive arguments.
Our Practical Opportunities
The best way to continue to hone dispute resolution skills is to practice. As a student, you have opportunities to compete with the National Trial Team, Moot Court, and the Sports Law Negotiation Team, all of which participate in local and national competitions. The National Trial Team focuses on oral advocacy at the trial level, while Moot Court showcases the appellate advocacy skills of our students, and the Sports Law Negotiation Team participates in alternative dispute resolution with simulated arbitration and contract negotiation of professional sports conflicts.
Our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Concentration
For students wanting a more in-depth preparation, the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Concentration allows you to specialize and build a strong foundation in the fundamentals and skills of advocacy and dispute resolution to help you begin a career as a litigator.
Christine Mooney
Director of Professional Skills
Professor of Law
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
“Trial is the most challenging aspect of being a lawyer, but also the most rewarding. The Trial Advocacy program helped build the foundation of invaluable courtroom skills any lawyer needs to be successful. For me, representing Villanova in Texas at the National Trial Competition helped cement my career path in the courtroom, and as an Assistant District Attorney, I’ve been able to use what I learned and apply it to public service for our community.” - Jerry Rassias '19