This course is designed for students who are already skilled in the basic techniques of trial. Going beyond the traditional law school approach, the course will explore the "art" of trial law, focusing upon communication, presentation and persuasion techniques that have, in large measure, been untapped by lawyers in their trial appearances. In the reality of the courtroom, there are often factors beyond legal relevance and admissibility that control the outcome of a trial. By borrowing from the disciplines of theater, psychiatry, storytelling, writing and communication, it is hoped that the student will come to appreciate and learn to access those factors. Lectures will be presented by guest speakers, including several of the leading civil trial lawyers in Maryland. There will also be workshops in which several students will have the opportunity to implement what they have learned in critiqued exercises. With an increased awareness of both verbal and non-verbal communication, students are strongly encouraged to attend actual trials in order to observe what takes place in the courtroom setting on both a conscious and unconscious level. This course is graded on a Credit/No Credit basis. R: Trial Practice or Trial Planning and Advocacy or Clinic.