Register by June 20 for the Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program
The Criminal Law Section’s trial skills program for early-career lawyers returns July 20–25
British barristers and solicitor advocates in traditional wigs and gowns participate in a previous session of the Criminal Law Section’s Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program, which offers early-career attorneys intensive, hands-on courtroom experience.
Attorneys with 1–5 years of experience are encouraged to register by June 20 to secure one of just 72 spots in The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section’s Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program, taking place July 20–25 at the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Now in its fifth decade, the program is billed as “the gold standard in trial advocacy training for young criminal lawyers.”
Designed to elevate courtroom confidence and mastery, the program simulates a full criminal trial experience — including text messages, 911 audio, forensic experts, digital evidence, and more — while offering daily one-on-one video performance reviews and guidance from Florida’s top criminal trial lawyers and judges. Registration for this six-day seminar is $300, with lunches provided Monday through Thursday. Register at bit.ly/P-PD_25.
“There is no better investment in the future of criminal justice than preparing new prosecutors and public defenders to become capable, confident trial lawyers,” said Criminal Law Section Chair Patricia Dawson of Tampa. “This program not only strengthens trial advocacy skills, it also promotes professionalism, ethics, and excellence in criminal law practice.”
Participants will receive advance case materials and must arrive ready to prosecute or defend the case in court. All trial presentations are recorded and provided to participants for continued learning and self-evaluation.
“We see young attorneys transformed by the end of this week,” said P/PD Committee Co-Chair Sarah H. Wolking, senior legal skills professor and prosecution clinic director at UF Law. “The combination of real-time feedback, performance coaching, and immersion in complex, real-world trial issues make this program uniquely powerful.”
Wolking co-chairs the committee with retired 13th Circuit Court Judge Samantha Ward.
Program highlights include hands-on litigation exercises, one-on-one reviews with judges and trial experts, training alongside junior barristers from the United Kingdom, and participation by a member of the distinguished King’s Counsel, a UK barrister or solicitor advocate recognized for excellence in advocacy.
Registration Details:
- Deadline: June 20
- Program Dates: July 20–25
- Location: UF Levin College of Law, Gainesville
- Cost: $300 per participant (includes lunch Monday–Thursday)
- Four participants per office
