April 26, 2026- May 1, 2026
Training will be held at the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association office, which is located at 275 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
From Jury Selection to Closing Argument
MTS provides a week-long training course in trial skills.
Large classes teaching basic and advanced trial skills by trained instructors
Small group sessions to practice skills and receive feedback from instructors
Training materials provided in advance that emulate a real criminal case
Program Agenda
Please note: this is an expected agenda. It may be subject to change.
| Day/Time | Topic |
| Sunday- Day 1 | |
| 3:30-4:00pm | Welcome and Program Orientation |
| 4:00-5:00pm | Lecture: Theory of the Case |
| 5:00-5:45pm | Lecture: Client Interviewing |
| 5:45-6:15pm | Dinner Provided- Breakout Groups |
| 6:15-7:15pm | Breakout: Orientation |
| 7:15- 8:30 | Lecture: Theatre Techniques & Improv for Lawyers |
| Monday- Day 2 | |
| 9:00-9:30 | Lecture: Storytelling |
| 9:30-10:15 | Lecture Demo: Opening Statements |
| 10:15-10:30 | Break |
| 10:30-12:00 | Breakout-Theory of the Case |
| 12:00-1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:45 | Breakout- Theory of the Case, cont. |
| 2:45-3:00 | Break |
| 3:00-3:30 | Lecture: Demonstrative Evidence |
| 3:30-4:30 | Lecture: Motions in Limine, Objections & Evidence |
| 4:45-5:15 | Breakout: Brainstorm and Assign Voir Dire Chapters |
| PM | Prepare Opening |
| Tuesday- Day 3 | |
| 9:00-12:00 | Breakout: Opening Statements |
| 12:00-1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00-1:30 | Demo: Opening Statement |
| 1:30-2:30 | Lecture Demo: Cross Examination |
| 2:30-2:45 | Break |
| 2:45-3:45 | Lecture Demo: Impeachment |
| 3:45-5:00 | Breakout: Discuss & Assign Cross Exam & Impeachment |
| Wednesday- Day 4 | |
| 9:00-11:00 | Breakout: Impeachment |
| 11:00-11:15 | Break |
| 11:15-12:15 | Breakout: Evidence Drills |
| 12:15-1:15 | Lunch |
| 1:15-4:00 | Breakout: Cross |
| 4:00-4:15 | Break |
| 4:15-4:45 | Cross Demonstration |
| 4:45-6:15 | Lecture/Demo: Voir Dire |
| 6:15-6:45 | Breakout: Organize Voir Dire |
| Thursday- Day 5 | |
| 9:00-9:45 | Lecture: Direct Examination |
| 9:45-11:00 | Prepare Direct with partner |
| 11:00-12:00 | Breakout: Direct Exam |
| 12:00-1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:00 | Breakout: Direct Exam Con’t |
| 2:00-4:45 | Breakout: Voir Dire |
| 4:45-5:45 | Lecture: Closing |
| PM | Prepare Closing |
| 7:30-10:30 PM | Karaoke Party Night! |
| Friday- Day 6 | |
| 9:00-11:00 | Breakout: Closing |
| 11:00-11:40 | Demonstration: Closing |
| 11:40-12:00 | Program Wrap Up |
Our work isn’t glamorous and often thankless, yet in that space, we embody hope. We show our clients they matter and their stories deserve to be heard. This act of service reminds us that justice is for everyone and that no one is defined by their worst moment. As criminal defense attorneys, we affirm that redemption and fairness are the cornerstones of humanity.
Jon Ence- Trial Attorney
Salt Lake Legal Defender