• What is The Academy of Law & Leadership?
  
  
• What is the purpose of The Academy?
  
  
• How is The Academy structured?
  
  
• Where will the Academy be held?
  
  
• How long is The Academy?
  
  
• Is a student required to have any prior mock trial experience?
  
  
• Is The Academy only for students who want to pursue a career in the legal profession?
  
  
• Who teaches the students?
  
  
• What is the Academy tuition?
  
  
• Are there tuition scholarships available?
  
  
• What is the dress code?
  
  

A: The Academy of Law & Leadership is an intense study of law and leadership skills, held each summer on a college campus for high school and college preparatory students - ranging in ages from 15 to 18.

A: The Academy is intended to help high school students develop personal communication skills, analytical skills, presentation skills, self-confidence, teamwork skills, plus many, many more aspects of their self-development. It is truly intended to assist a student in reaching for higher potential within oneself. The Academy uses trial advocacy and the mock trial format to help instill these skills in each student.

A: The Academy has two parts, the Law Module and the Leadership Module.

The Law Module is based upon a real-life criminal case - in which the names have been changed -- which climaxes with the students presenting the case for a mock trial live in front of a trial judge. Each student will be evaluated and given insights on how to improve their presentation and persuasion skills, analytical skills, and their critical thinking skills…just to name a few. During the Closing Ceremony of the Academy, the students will learn the real-life outcome of the case (and it is amazing).

The Leadership Module is the other half of the program. History has shown that the students become extremely engaged in the excitement of presenting a criminal case for trial. However, teamwork and leadership skills are best developed outside the courtroom. The Leadership Module is just the answer. Students engage in activities that focus on developing life-skills, such as teambuilding, trust, citizenship and duty, and negotiation and mediation.

A: Academy students will meet daily at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law building in a designated classroom. Transportation to extracurricular activities will depart from the law building. Students will stay in the campus dorms and three meals per day will be provided in a designated on-campus building.

A: The program is ten days. Each day is structured to include group activities, smaller breakout sessions, and outdoor activities.

A: No. On the first day of the school, each student will be teamed up with two other students to form their three-person legal team. This team will represent either the Prosecution or the Defense in the mock criminal case. Each student will portray both an attorney in their trial, and also serve as a witness in another trial. During The Academy, the students will attend lectures on how to conduct a direct examination, a cross examination, an Opening Statement, a Closing Argument, and all of the other components of a real trial.

Additionally, each student is teamed with a Teaching Assistant/Team Leader who is experienced in the rules, procedures and strategies of Mock Trial. After each lecture, the students meet with their Team Leader, to provide each student individualized instruction.

A: No. The Academy is intended for any student who is looking to learn more about themselves, the law and meet other students. Perhaps most importantly, students will gain a competitive edge as they prepare for college. The skills and knowledge gained will train each student in a manner not available from their high school classes.

A: The Academy faculty is comprised of licensed practicing attorneys. These are people who are experienced trial attorneys with accomplished trial records and leadership training experience. This is in addition to an array of guest speakers and lecturers.

A: The 2010 program tuition of $2495 includes all instruction, course materials, individual mentoring, activities, guest speakers and extracurricular activities. We highly recommend each student stay on campus to take advantage of the evening classes and activities and experience life on a college campus. A $250 deposit is required upon application.  All tuition payments should be made to The Providence Foundation.

A: There are no scholarships available for the 2010 Academy.

A: Students are able to wear casual attire during regular class time; however, business attire is required during the final competition and awards ceremony. Appropriate clothing is necessary for extracurricular activities. Detailed clothing needs are provided in registration packet upon acceptance to The Academy.