Hofstra Law offers skills training for Legal Aid attorneys

Hofstra Law School, Hempstead, N.Y. —

From January 1 through 9, 2009, Hofstra Law School offered an innovative Continuing Legal Education program for 16 New York City Legal Aid Society attorneys.  

The pro bono program included intensive training in the Motion to Suppress, and was the first intensive skills program designed to train attorneys in the special problems of litigating motions to suppress.  Original materials were prepared for the course that permit the attorneys to learn the skills of both conducting the hearing and arguing the motion before the judge.

Attorneys were involved in both the defense and prosecution roles in suppression motions.  “Hofstra Law is on the cutting edge of continuing legal education,” said Jeffrey A. Dodge, Hofstra Law’s director of Continuing Legal Education Programs, and assistant dean for administration and operations.  “Through our CLE programs, we are not only impacting the legal profession, we are having a profound impact on our surrounding communities.”

Now in its third year, the winter workshop is run by Lawrence W. Kessler, Hofstra Law Richard J. Cardali Distinguished Professor of Trial Advocacy and Barbara S. Barron, Professor of Legal Writing.  Former Iowa State Public Defender Tom Becker served as team leader.  

“Hofstra Law is committed to enhancing competency and professionalism of trial lawyers.  In fact, Hofstra was the first law school in New York State to offer intensive trial skills training,” Kessler said.