AABANY’s Litigation Committee is proud to present the 2025 Trial Advocacy Program ("TAP") at the Fall Conference this year. TAP offers junior lawyers a unique opportunity to hone their trial skills under the guidance of seasoned trial veterans (former state and federal prosecutors and state and federal trial judges) and receive constructive feedback to help you become a stronger trial advocate. This year, we will conduct TAP as a fourth track at the Conference, focusing on essential trial skills, including opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing statements. Participants will be given a mock trial problem to work through with a partner and then perform the mock trial for a faculty of mentors, who will provide individualized critiques to help participants sharpen their trial advocacy skills.

Please note that TAP registrants will have to attend all TAP sessions to receive CLE credits.

Please also note that your registration includes the Plenary Lunch Session and the Cocktail Reception at the end of the day. TAP registrants can attend any of the CLE programs being offered during the second afternoon session, which are scheduled for 4:15 to 5:45 pm. You can attend the Diversity Career Fair only during the times that do not conflict with TAP sessions.

Agenda & Curriculum:

This year, rather than prepare a full mock trial, registrants will be asked to prepare portions of openings, direct examinations, and cross-examinations focused on developing specific skills relevant to each. Registrants will receive the fact pattern and materials by September 12, 2025, along with further information as to what skills they should focus on as they prepare their examinations.

9:00 am – 10:30 am (Presentation on Opening, Directs, and Crosses)

Speakers: Hon. James R. Cho (U.S. District Court, E.D.N.Y.), Hon. Frances Wang (Queens Supreme Court), Joe Gim (Kings County District Attorneys Office, Chief of Criminal Court)

This opening presentation will review the specific skills that attendees have been asked to focus on, with attention to best practices and applicable rules.

10:45 am – 12:15 pm (Mock Openings and Direct – Split into Rooms W303/403 with Students & Faculty)

2:15 pm -3:25 pm (Mock Crosses – Split into Rooms W303/403 with Students & Faculty)

Students will be split into small groups to present their examinations to a group of experienced trial attorneys. The faculty will provide feedback in this small group setting and students will have the opportunity to practice in response to this feedback, time permitting.

3:25 pm – 4:15 pm (Presentation on Closings)

Speakers: Hugh Mo (The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, PC), William Campos (U.S. Attorneys Office, E.D.N.Y.)

Experienced trial attorneys will present mock closing arguments, one on behalf of the plaintiff and one on behalf of the defense, based on the same problem provided to attendees. Q&A to follow, as time permits.

Confirmed Faculty:

Jacqueline Choi, In-House Litigation Counsel, Red Apple Group, Inc.
Sarah Khan, Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan DA's office (Trial Bureau)
Hana Kim, Acting Bureau Chief of Frauds, Queens District Attorney's Office
Genny Ngai, Partner, Morrison Cohen
Sheila Shen, Associate, Holland & Knight

Member Prices

All Private Sector
Corporate/
In-House Counsel

Government/Public Sector
/Nonprofit
Out-of-State Attorney (Associate Member)
Law Student
Non-Legal Professional (Affinity Member)

Non-Member Prices

All Private Sector
Corporate/
In-House Counsel

Government/Public Sector
/Nonprofit
Out-of-State Attorney (Associate Member)
Law Student
Non-Legal Professional

Early Bird Prices

By Sept. 10

$135

$95

Early Bird Prices

By Sept. 10

$275

$150

Regular Prices

By Sept. 19

$165

$125

Regular Prices

By Sept. 19

$305

$180

Financial aid is available for qualified attorneys.

Please request a financial aid application from cle@aabany.org by September 19 before registering.

Trial Advocacy Program

Room W320