The National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) is hosting a women in trial program in Seattle this November. Please follow this link to learn more.

NITA Women in Trial

SKU#WTP1125

Perkins Coie LLP, 1301 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

November 12, 2025 - November 15, 2025

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

For the fifth year, NITA’s top-tier women faculty present this exciting trial skills training program. Master your skills from acclaimed women lawyers, judges, and professors who broke the barriers and continue to change the legal landscape. This highly customized program focuses on magnifying your individual talent.

You will learn from and collaborate with faculty, leaving the program with improved trial skills, practical tips you can implement immediately, and a network of women trial attorneys.

 WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This program drills deep on trial skills like direct and cross-examination, and enhances your communication skills. You will receive on-your-feet training followed by individualized feedback. NITA’s signature comprehensive learning-by-doing experience will be carried out in small breakout group workshops with a 3:1 ratio of students to faculty.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND CONTENT

The program will be held over four days, each day featuring specialized workshops including the following topics:

• Powerful opening statements using the storytelling technique
• Compelling closing arguments that cut out the clutter
• Bringing back the love for direct examination
• Harnessing your power on cross-examination
• Persuasive and legal foundation for admitting exhibits
• Mastering objections
• Demystifying the technical steps of impeachment

UNIQUE TO THE NITA WOMEN IN TRIAL PROGRAM

• Communication skills presentation led by a national litigation consultant who excels in training women trial lawyers
• Small-group roundtable discussions that will focus on the specific issues that program participants face in their practice and the courtroom  
• Opening session that includes dedicated networking time with faculty and a welcome reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres 

NATIONAL LITIGATION EXPERT KAREN LISKO

Litigation consultant Karen Lisko, Ph.D., works with attorneys to increase their persuasiveness and effectiveness with factfinders throughout all phases of litigation. A veteran of hundreds of civil cases heard in bench and jury trials and arbitration forums, Karen strategizes to help legal teams construct compelling and prevailing arguments. Karen holds a doctorate in legal communication, a specialized degree attained by only a few consultants in the nation, and is the author of two books, Patently Persuasive and Proven Jury Arguments and Evidence.

Karen relies on more than 25 years of extensive mock research and factfinder experience to create an advantage for litigation teams. She strategizes with trial teams, frequently at the earliest stages of litigation, to help establish persuasive case approaches. Her key litigation services include judicial and arbitrator persuasion; jury persuasion; mock factfinder research; jury and bench trials, hearings, arbitrations; and witness preparation for deposition and trial.

NETWORKING EVENTS

On the first evening, the program will kick off with remarks from Program Director Judge Amy Hanley, including an introduction to members of the incredible faculty team and practical tips from past participants for getting the most out of the program. This is followed by a networking hour, specific time we’ve set aside for faculty and participants to mingle and share legal backgrounds, Netflix recommendations, and everything in between. Enjoy appetizers and beverages while we all get to know each other.