DOAH Trial Academy enhances litigation skills for 60 attorneys
Sixty Florida lawyers took part in this year’s Division of Administrative Hearings Trial Academy in Tallahassee. “The attendees took it very seriously and arrived on Monday morning ready to work,” said DOAH Interim Director and Chief Judge Darren A. Schwartz. “We had 10 teams and were once again able to provide one-on-one coaching with a ratio of about three volunteer coaches per team of six students.” Sponsored by the Administrative Law Section, the academy offered lawyers practical experience through mock hearings, coaching sessions, and personalized feedback — all at no cost to attendees.
The 2024 Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) Trial Academy took place from September 16 to 20 at DOAH’s Tallahassee headquarters, gathering 60 attorneys for an intense week-long course designed to simulate formal administrative hearings and teach essential litigation skills.
Sponsored by the Administrative Law Section, the academy offered lawyers practical experience through mock hearings, coaching sessions, and personalized feedback — all at no cost to attendees. Participants who completed the program earned 50 hours of Continuing Legal Education credit.
“We had another great academy this year,” said DOAH Interim Director and Chief Judge Darren A. Schwartz. “The attendees took it very seriously and arrived on Monday morning ready to work. We had 10 teams and were once again able to provide one-on-one coaching with a ratio of about three volunteer coaches per team of six students.”
At the start of the week, attendees were divided into 10 teams of six lawyers, each assigned three coaches. Coaches included Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), Judges of Compensation Claims (JCCs), and seasoned administrative law attorneys. The activities began with intensive coaching sessions on Monday and Tuesday to prepare the teams for the mock hearings. The core of the academy comprised 20 separate mock hearings on Wednesday and Thursday, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired skills in simulated legal proceedings. Each team represented either the petitioner or respondent, engaging in head-to-head competitions. This year, every participant was able to take part in at least four separate mock hearings.
Following each mock hearing, attendees reflected on their performances and received constructive feedback from the judges and their coaches.
“The feedback given to the attendees following each hearing was instrumental in their growth, allowing them to identify areas for improvement as the week progressed,” Judge Schwartz said.
On Thursday afternoon, each team nominated two members to participate in one of two distinct mock hearings scheduled for Friday. The first of these hearings, held Friday morning, was a final mock hearing witnessed by all attendees. Afterward, attendees voted for the best representative in three categories. The award recipients were Elise Engle for “Best Opening Statement,” James Branum for “Best Direct Examination,” and Alexis Fowler for “Best Cross Examination.” The afternoon session featured a lighthearted skit-based mock hearing, where participants faced humorous prompts designed to test their quick thinking and adaptability, with judges and volunteer witnesses adopting quirky personas.
Anticipation is already building for next year’s program.
“Agencies and law firms are eager to send attorneys to the academy,” Judge Schwartz said. “Whether they are brand new to administrative practice or already have administrative litigation experience, the intensive practice and personalized coaching ensure that participants are more confident and prepared going forward.”
Interested individuals may send their name and email address to [email protected] to be notified when registration opens for next year’s DOAH Trial Academy in 2025.
