The Institute for Trial Advocacy (ITA), is the litigation and trial component of the Earl Carl Institute. Established in November 2001 as a legal apprenticeship program, its goals are to:

1. Provide practical legal experience to qualified TMSL students

HOW: ITA works with sole and small legal practinioners to assist with their caseloads. The attorney contracts with ITA to provide research and litigation assistance on a case-by-case basis. Also, ITA works with pro bono legal service providers.

2. Enhance the quality of legal practice

HOW: ITA students will help ensure that the quality of legal service provided by the institute and its private practitioner partners will inure to the benefit of its clients and the justice system.

3. Enhance the bar performance by TMSL graduates

HOW: Through greater exposure to the practice of law, the student will become more conversant and knowledgeable about substantive and procedural law as applied in federal and state courts.