Ross T. Roberts Trial Academy

The Ross T. Roberts Trial Academy is an annual program organized in conjunction with the Young Lawyers Section and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri that is designed to teach new lawyers trial advocacy skills. The program provides participating attorneys with training and guidance from experienced litigators and judges and allows them to practice trial techniques in a realistic courtroom setting.

Led by Associate Circuit Judge Janette K. Rodecap, United States Judge Stephen R. Bough and Magistrate Judge W. Brian Gaddy, training sessions cover voir dire, opening statements, direct and cross examinations, evidentiary foundations, expert witnesses, and closing arguments. The program includes over 35 CLE hours, including 2 ethics hours, in MO and KS. There are scholarship opportunities through the KCMBA Young Lawyers Section, Diversity Section, United States Courts Western District of Missouri and AWLF. The application deadline is Thursday, August 22, 2024. Please email scholarship applications to [email protected].

The 2024-2025 Ross T. Roberts Trial Academy will begin in September 2024.  Applications are now open! 

Applications can be found here. The schedule can be found here.

For further information about Trial Academy, contact [email protected] or (816) 474-4322.