DOAH Trial Academy sharpens administrative litigation skills through immersive training
Participants in the 2025 Division of Administrative Hearings Trial Academy gather at DOAH headquarters in Tallahassee following a weeklong program featuring mock hearings, coaching sessions, and hands-on administrative litigation training.
Fifty-six attorneys gathered at the Division of Administrative Hearings’ headquarters in Tallahassee recently for an intensive, hands-on program designed to mirror the demands of real-world administrative litigation.
The 2025 DOAH Trial Academy, sponsored by the Bar's Administrative Law Section, immersed participants in a weeklong simulation of formal administrative hearings, combining mock proceedings, small-group coaching, and individualized feedback. The program was offered at no cost, and participants who completed the academy earned 50 hours of CLE.
"We had another great academy this year. The attendees arrived on Monday prepared and worked hard throughout the week," said DOAH 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 five to six students.”
Each team was supported by three volunteer coaches. Coaches included administrative law judges, judges of compensation claims, and experienced administrative law practitioners.
The week began with intensive coaching sessions on Monday and Tuesday, preparing teams for the program’s centerpiece: two days of mock hearings on Wednesday and Thursday. Each team participated in four hearings, representing either petitioners or respondents in head-to-head matchups.
Following each mock hearing, participants received detailed feedback from judges and coaches and had an opportunity to assess their own performance.
“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 selected a representative to compete in a final mock hearing held Friday morning before all attendees. Afterward, participants voted on top performances in three categories. Award recipients were Margaret McCormick for “Best Opening Statement,” Matthew Taylor for “Best Direct Examination,” and Christian Bax for “Best Cross Examination.”
The week concluded with a lighthearted administrative law trivia competition.
Organizers say demand for the program remains strong.
“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 individualized coaching ensures that participants are more confident and prepared going forward."
Attorneys interested in attending the 2026 DOAH Trial Academy may request notification when registration opens by emailing DOAH at [email protected].
