Apply for the 2025 Hillman Advocacy Program

November 7, 2024

The West Michigan Chapter’s Hillman Advocacy Program is now accepting student applications for its 2025 program, which will take place in Grand Rapids at the federal courthouse on January 22-24, 2025. The Hillman Advocacy Program is a unique program designed to assist both new and practiced trial lawyers in developing their courtroom skills under the guidance of our Federal Judges and experienced trial lawyers who practice regularly in federal court. The program is accepting applications for both criminal and civil sections, at both basic and advanced skill levels. The advanced program culminates in mock jury trials in the federal courthouse on the last day, and the opportunity to observe the jury’s deliberations via closed circuit television.

The Hillman Advocacy Program is not a passive seminar: it is a learn-by-doing workshop. You should read the case materials, know the facts, and arrive prepared to participate fully in the program. You will need to be prepared to give a brief opening and closing statement (less than 5 minutes). Read through the planned exercises in advance, prepare outlines for the direct and cross- examinations you will be asked to conduct. This is the best way to ensure you get the most that you can out of the program. Every year, students comment that they wish they had known that they needed to prepare more in advance. Do not rob yourself of this opportunity for development.

There will be a student orientation about a week prior to the program. The orientation will be held via zoom. The date will be communicated if you are accepted in to the Hillman program.

Interested students are invited to complete the Registration Application found HERE and email it to Sonja Cubillo, Hillman Coordinator, at sonja_cubillo@fd.org. Applications are due by December 20th.

Due to increased demand, Hillman will be accepting applications only at this time. Once the application is accepted and a spot is confirmed for the participant, then a link will be sent in order for the applicant to make payment. If payment is not made within seven business days after the invoice is sent, the spot will be forfeited and given to a waitlisted participant.