Bartlit Center for Trial Advocacy

Preparing law students to become confident, skilled, and effective litigators is the cornerstone of the Bartlit Center for Trial Advocacy, part of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law's Bluhm Legal Clinic. The Bartlit Center was established in 1999, made possible by a gift from Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott in honor of senior partner Fred Bartlit, an innovative leader in litigation and business strategies.

Bartlit Center students participate in nationally-ranked, simulation-based teaching programs - among the finest in the country. In addition to Northwestern's preeminent residential faculty, the Center's adjunct faculty includes nearly 100 of the best lawyers and judges in Chicago - private practice, public service, state and federal judges, all of whom bring day-to-day insights into the practice of law. Coursework includes ethics and professional responsibility, evidence, pre-trial litigation, trial technology, and trial advocacy. Students are additionally able to gain unparalleled experience and feedback competing on trial teams and participating in moot court.

Student work is based upon experiential learning: education rooted in direct involvement in lawyering tasks. Via simulation-based training, students are able to perfect tasks and skills they will need as practicing lawyers.