Apart from their assigned mod courses, 1L students may only enroll in courses offered as 1L electives. A complete list of these courses can be found on the 1L Elective Listings page. 1L students must use the 1L class number listed on the course description when enrolling.
294.57 sec. 001 - Introduction to Trial Practice for 1Ls (Spring 2026)
Instructor: Ioana Petrou (view instructor's teaching evaluations - degree students only | profile)
Instructor: Charles Adam Smiley
View all teaching evaluations for this course - degree students only
Units: 1
Grading Designation: Credit Only
Mode of Instruction: In-Person
Meetings:
Th 6:25 PM - 8:15 PM
Location: Law 140
From January 15, 2026
To February 19, 2026
Sa 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Law 140
On 2026-02-28
Course End: February 28, 2026
Class Number: 33502
Enrollment info:
Enrolled: 16
Waitlisted: 15
Enroll Limit: 16
As of: 12/25 02:15 PM
This course is designed to introduce 1L students to trial practice. It is taught by First District Court of Appeal Justices Ioana Petrou and Charles Smiley. Both instructors previously served on the Alameda County Superior Court. Justice Petrou is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney; Justice Smiley is a former Deputy Public Defender. They have taught trial practice courses at Berkeley Law since 2014. In this course, on a weekly basis, students will learn and practice their skills in front of each other and the instructors will lead a positive group discussion and critique. The course is offered on a credit/no credit basis. Students are expected to be prepared for every class, to participate in weekly exercises and group critiques, and to work diligently on the final exam (a mock trial). Taking this course will not preclude you from enrolling in Civil Trial Practice or Criminal Trial Practice in a future semester.
All interested 1L students -- whether or not enrolled or placed on the waitlist -- must attend the first class; any students who are not present on the first day of class without prior permission of an instructor will be dropped from the course.
Due to the use of role play exercises throughout the semester and the need to determine the members of the class as soon as possible, the usual provisions of "Drop/Add" do not apply. If you wish to enroll, you must commit to remain in the course no later than the last day of the first full week of spring semester classes.
You will need (1) Modern Trial Advocacy, Steven Lubet (NITA) (any edition you purchase will work) and (2) a trial problem that will be provided by the instructors.
The class will be held over seven sessions.
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Requirements Satisfaction:
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Exam Notes: (T) Final practice trial or arguments
(Subject to change by faculty member only through the first two weeks of instruction)
Course Category: Simulation Courses
First Assignment
Supplemental File
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Readers:
No reader.
Books:
To Be Determined
Instructor has indicated that textbook(s) will be used, but has not provided details.