At the request of the Board of Judges of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, the Federal Court Bar Association invites nominations for the 2026 Trial Advocacy Training Program, a highly selective, hands-on training initiative designed to develop the next generation of federal trial attorneys.
Only twelve participants will be selected.
Submit a nomination here:
Attorneys may nominate themselves or another eligible candidate.
For the first time, the program is open not only to attorneys interested in federal civil litigation, but also to attorneys seeking training, mentorship, and experience that may assist them in federal criminal trials.
Designed for newer attorneys and those seeking meaningful federal courtroom experience, the program provides free practical instruction from some of the district’s most experienced trial lawyers. Participants learn by doing. Through a series of performance-based exercises, participants develop the fundamental skills required to try a case in federal court, including opening statements, direct and cross-examination, evidentiary foundations, impeachment, and closing arguments. The program culminates in a mock trial before a sitting federal judge.
Participants receive substantial complimentary CLE credit, individualized feedback, and mentorship from experienced federal practitioners. More importantly, they gain practical federal trial skills and a rare opportunity to put those skills to use in service of the court, the bar, and the public.
Participants selected for the civil track receive training that prepares them to accept federal pro bono civil appointments. Participants selected for the criminal track receive additional training and mentorship designed to develop federal criminal trial skills. Participation in the criminal track is not contingent on applying for or serving on the Criminal Justice Act Panel. However, for attorneys who later seek appointment to the CJA Panel, successful completion of the program is viewed favorably during the application process.
Program Dates
Attendance at all required sessions is mandatory.
• September 2, 2026 (Syracuse): Federal Evidence and Foundations Training
• September 9-10, 2026 (Syracuse): Trial Advocacy Training Program
• Civil track participants: October 20, 2026 (Syracuse) or October 22, 2026 (Albany): “Trying a Civil Rights Case” CLE Program
• Criminal track participants: October 7, 2026 (Syracuse), Albany date TBD: “Federal Criminal Defense 101”.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
• Be admitted to practice in the Northern District of New York before the program begins;
• Be a member of the Federal Court Bar Association before the program begins;
• Reside or routinely practice in the Northern District of New York;
• Be available for all required program dates applicable to their selected track; and
• Civil-track participants must commit to accepting a federal pro bono civil appointment within one year of completing the program.
• Attorneys who complete this program and make a successful application to join the CJA Panel are expected to accept federal criminal appointments.
Nomination Deadline: Monday, August 3, 2026
Questions may be directed to FCBA Executive Director Tina Versaci at [email protected].
Adam J. Katz and John G. Powers
Co-Chairs, Trial Advocacy and Practice Committee
Northern District of New York Federal Court Bar Association