The Advanced Writing & Appellate Advocacy Course is open for application. This three-day course is designed to improve attendees’ writing and oral advocacy skills. The training will be conducted through lecture, small group discussion, and individual critique. The instruction model requires a high faculty-to-attendee ratio, and total attendance must be limited. Anyone interested in the course is encouraged to apply, but special consideration will be made for prosecutors whose current duties include a writing component. For example, applicants who are assigned to appellate work, drafting trial briefs, or responding to writs will be prioritized. Additionally, geography, office size, and jurisdiction will operate as selection criteria. If you believe this course would benefit you, apply!
The course will be held in North Austin. Final applicant review will occur on the April 28, 2025 application deadline. Upon acceptance, notice will be emailed to all participants. Because the final roster of attendees will not be set until a month out, we have worked with the host hotel to set aside a block of rooms. The acceptance email will include a link to book hotel accommodations, a link to register for the course, and a packet of course instructions. Attendees will be expected to submit a short trial brief prior to the start of the course. Once in Austin, experienced faculty will cover specialized topics and facilitate group discussions. On Friday, attendees will argue their briefs in a simulated trial court setting. Following the courtroom exercise, faculty will offer individualized feedback and suggestions regarding each attendee’s argument and submitted brief.
This course is a unique training opportunity, and is not among TDCAA’s regularly scheduled offerings.
A password will be sent to registered attendees one week prior to the event to download materials. QR codes will be available onsite to evaluate each talk and its presenter. This link will be available during and after the conference.
Standard Reimbursement Policy: TDCAA will reimburse only eligible prosecutors and prosecutor office employees up to the GSA rate per night for up to a two nights’ stay at a hotel. TDCAA will not reimburse for meals, travel, registration fees, hotel tax, parking, taxi costs, or other extraordinary expenses. All other expenses are your own.