Jack Rice to Teach Trial Advocacy at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Experienced trial lawyer Jack Rice will once again serve as a faculty instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), teaching at the upcoming Building Trial Skills: Minnesota program in June of 2026, at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

For more than a decade, Rice has worked with NITA to help attorneys develop the practical courtroom skills necessary to succeed in trial. His continued involvement reflects both his commitment to legal excellence and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers.

“The strength of NITA is their philosophy of learning by doing. This isn’t just academic. Lawyers are on their feet.” — Jack Rice

Building Better Trial Lawyers

For more than 50 years, NITA has been recognized as a leader in trial advocacy education. Unlike traditional lecture-based programs, NITA focuses on hands-on training, allowing participants to actively practice courtroom skills while receiving immediate feedback from experienced trial attorneys.

The Building Trial Skills program is designed to help attorneys strengthen their courtroom presence, sharpen their advocacy techniques, and gain confidence in trial settings. Participants will work through realistic trial exercises covering:

• Persuasive opening statements

• Effective closing arguments

• Direct examination techniques

• Cross-examination strategies

• Witness impeachment

• Admission and use of exhibits

• Case presentation and courtroom communication

Throughout the program, Rice and other faculty members provide individualized coaching and constructive critiques designed to improve performance and develop practical courtroom skills.

Why Practical Trial Training Matters

Successful trial advocacy is built through experience. NITA’s learn-by-doing approach allows attorneys to practice in a supportive environment where they can experiment, improve, and refine their techniques without the pressure of an actual courtroom.

Participants benefit from:

• Repeated performance opportunities

• Real-time feedback from experienced litigators

• Observation of fellow participants

• Video recording for self-evaluation

• Hands-on application of trial strategy

This immersive training model helps attorneys develop skills that translate directly into more effective advocacy for their clients.

Learning from Real Trial Experience

As a former prosecutor, former CIA officer, and nationally recognized criminal defense attorney, Jack Rice brings decades of courtroom experience to the classroom. Having handled hundreds of complex cases and trials, he offers practical insights that extend beyond textbooks and theory.

His instruction focuses on the realities of trial practice—how to communicate effectively with juries, challenge witnesses, present evidence persuasively, and adapt under pressure.

For Rice, teaching is also part of a lifelong commitment to professional development.

“It’s always important to sharpen your skills and to keep learning.” — Jack Rice

Trial Skills Benefit Every Case

Although many legal disputes resolve before trial, strong courtroom skills often lead to better outcomes throughout the litigation process. Attorneys who are prepared to try cases effectively are often in a stronger position during negotiations, hearings, and settlement discussions.

Programs like NITA help lawyers develop the confidence and advocacy skills necessary to serve their clients at the highest level, whether a case settles or proceeds to verdict.

A Premier Learning Opportunity

Participants in the Building Trial Skills: Minnesota program will have the opportunity to:

• Deliver opening statements and closing arguments

• Conduct direct and cross-examinations

• Learn evidentiary presentation techniques

• Receive personalized feedback from experienced faculty

• Work with NITA’s proven trial advocacy curriculum

Course materials include Modern Trial Advocacy: Analysis and Practice and a specially developed case file designed specifically for the program.

Jack Rice Defense: Trial Experience That Matters

Jack Rice’s continued role as a NITA instructor reflects the same commitment to preparation, advocacy, and excellence that he brings to every client he represents. By teaching alongside some of the nation’s most respected trial lawyers, he remains at the forefront of modern trial strategy and courtroom advocacy.

If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, having an experienced trial attorney on your side can make a significant difference.

Contact Jack Rice Defense

For a free and confidential consultation, contact Jack Rice Defense today.

Phone: 651-447-7650
Phone: 612-227-1339

When your future is on the line, experience matters.