Graduate II: Storytelling Mastery for Trial
Winning at trial often depends on your ability to tell a story jurors can understand, experience, and remember. Graduate II helps TLC alumni strengthen advanced storytelling skills through psychodrama, TLC methods, small-group case work, and instruction inspired by The Moth—so they can uncover the essential elements of a client’s story and present them with greater clarity, authenticity, and persuasive power throughout trial.
Full Details Below
October 16-23, 2027
Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm
Nebraska City, NE
Save $200 when you register and pay in full before Jan 1, 2027
Destination
Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City, NE
Surrounded by the trees and natural beauty of Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge offers a peaceful setting to step away from the demands of daily practice and immerse yourself in the work of Graduate II. Located on 260 acres in Nebraska City, the lodge provides space to reflect, connect, and recharge between sessions.
Outside the classroom, explore miles of wooded trails, enjoy on-site dining, or make time for the lodge’s spa, fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. It’s a setting that encourages you to slow down, be present, and bring your full attention to the challenging and transformative work of the week.
Tuition does not include lodging or transportation. Once registered, you'll receive a link to book your room at a TLC group rate. Please do not book through 3rd party bookers.
What You'll Do and Learn
See below for full details on what you'll experience day-by-day, timing, tuition and lodging costs, TLC's financial aid application, and more.
Mastering the Art of Storytelling in Trial
Learn to craft and present powerful stories with psychodrama, TLC methods, and instruction in storytelling and story-editing from The Moth. Our immersive one-week training is designed to help TLC Graduates develop advanced trial skills and a deeper understanding of story structure and storytelling in all phases of the trial. Whether working on a civil or criminal case, TLC Graduates will learn how to identify the essential elements of your client’s story and present them effectively during trials, hearings, mediations, and other crucial legal settings. TLC Graduates will work in small groups to practice their skills on cases, and will receive constructive feedback and guidance from experienced TLC-trained trial lawyers and licensed, certified psychodramatists. By the end of the course, Graduates will have a clear and powerful story that can inspire and persuade any audience. TLC-trained trial lawyers have proven time and again how the chances of winning dramatically increase if the jurors can better experience what the client has experienced using the TLC Method.
ALL TIMES are in Central Time
Saturday, October 16
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Student Check-in 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Sunday, October 17 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Course Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Monday, October 18 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Course Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Tuesday, October 19 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Course Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Wednesday, October 20 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Course Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Thursday, October 21 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Course Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Friday, October 22 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Course Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Saturday, October 23 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM GoodbyesLied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City, NE
Surrounded by the trees and natural beauty of Arbor Day Farm, Lied Lodge offers a peaceful setting to step away from the demands of daily practice and immerse yourself in the work of Graduate II. Located on 260 acres in Nebraska City, the lodge provides space to learn, reflect, connect with fellow TLC lawyers, and recharge between sessions. Outside the classroom, explore miles of wooded trails, enjoy on-site dining, or make time for the lodge’s spa, fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. It’s a setting that encourages you to slow down, be present, and bring your full attention to the challenging and transformative work of the week.
Tuition Includes: Training and buffet style meals. Tuition does not include lodging or transportation. Please do not use 3rd party booking parties. Once registered, you'll receive a link to book your room at a TLC group rate of $160 per night. Deadline to reserve your room is September 30, 2027.
Cancellation Policy
Given the high cost of providing courses with highly skilled teachers and at easily accessible venues nationwide, TLC must implement a cancellation policy. Cancellation notices and any questions should be sent to Molly@triallawyerscollege.org.
1. Any cancellation 35 or more days prior to the start date of any in-person course may receive a full refund.
2. Any cancellation within 34 to 15 days before the start date of any in-person course may receive 50% of the paid tuition as a credit towards a future program, to be used within one year. The person cancelling may offer a replacement for a full refund, but no refund will be processed unless the replacement makes full payment a minimum of 14 days prior to the start date of the course. It is the responsibility of the cancelling party to find a replacement.
3. Any cancellation within 14 -7 days of the start date of any in-person course is eligible for a 25% credit to be used towards a future program, to be used within one year. 4. Any cancellation within 6 days of the start date of any in-person course will not be eligible for a refund. 5. Virtual and webinar courses cancellations may receive a full refund if done 7 or more days prior to the course’s start date.To Make This Course the Most Impactful It Can Be, Space Is Limited To 36 Participants
Tuition Includes: Training and buffet style meals. Tuition does not include lodging or transportation. Please do not use 3rd party booking parties. Once registered, you'll receive a link to book your room at a TLC group rate at $160 per night. Deadline to reserve your room is September 30, 2027.
Course Tuition: $3,250
Save $200 when you register and pay in full before Jan 1, 2027
Registration Deadline: September 12, 2027.
ADA Accommodations Deadline: September 12, 2027.
Deadline to Book Hotel Room at TLC Rate: September 30, 2027.
Deadline to Apply for Financial Aid: September 5, 2027.
Please email Molly@triallawyerscollege.org for assistance.
Flexible Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
Trial Lawyers College knows that some trial lawyers may not currently have the funds needed to attend training on the TLC Method. In true F-Warrior fashion, many TLC alumni have graciously donated funds to assist. The goal is to assist those who are truly in need and to make sure all get an equal chance at receiving assistance whether it be providing full tuition, half tuition, free lodging (if available) or a *payment plan. Like some grant processes, applicants for assistance must provide employment status and employer name for previous 12 months; city and state (or region) in which they practice; average monthly income (from all sources) over the past 12 months; a statement of why assistance is needed; and how much assistance is needed. Applications will start being reviewed 60 days prior to the course’s start date so assistance may be provided in sufficient time to allow travel plans and to also stay within the course’s venue contractual obligations. There may be occasions where last-minute application approval(s) become available. Those will be addressed in as timely a fashion as possible.
*A payment plan may be developed with the student and administration team for installment payments so that 50% of the full tuition is paid no less than 30 days prior to the start of the course with full payment due one week before the start of the course. START APPLICATIONAccreditation will be applied for through the State of Nebraska Judicial Branch
Attendees will be responsible for submitting CLE credit approval to their state licensing department upon completion. TLC will provide all pertinent documentation needed for you to submit to your state for accreditation. Course Attendance will be monitored by faculty.
What You’ll Take Away
- How to identify the essential story at the heart of your client’s case.
- How to structure and edit a compelling narrative that jurors can follow, experience, and remember.
- How to use psychodrama and TLC methods to uncover deeper truths, relationships, and turning points.
- How to strengthen storytelling across every phase of trial, from Voir Dire through Final Argument.
- How to refine your skills through real-case work, small-group practice, and direct faculty feedback.
Deadline to register is September 12, 2027. Save $200 when you register and pay in full before Jan 1, 2027
You'll also leave with a powerfully supportive network of TLC members. Numbering in the thousands, members are active throughout the the country through our Local Working Groups.
Meet Your Faculty
Maren Chaloupka, TLC President, TLC Alum
Maren Chaloupka is a seasoned trial lawyer, civil rights advocate, and the first woman President of Trial Lawyers College. Raised in rural Nebraska and trained from a young age in her father’s law office, Maren brings deep empathy, fierce skill, and a lifelong commitment to justice.
She has successfully tried landmark legal battles, including a precedent-setting civil rights case on behalf of a prisoner who was denied medical care. With over 70 jury trials and 80 appeals under her belt, she leads with heart and principle—mentoring lawyers to connect, serve, and speak truth to power.
Louise Lipman, Psychodramatist, LCSW-R, TEP, CGP
Louise Lipman is a licensed psychotherapist, trial consultant, and nationally recognized practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry, and group psychotherapy. A longtime Trial Lawyers College faculty member, she helps lawyers use psychodramatic methods to uncover deeper truth, prepare witnesses, and communicate with greater authenticity and impact. A former Broadway actress, Louise brings a unique background in theater and the creative arts to her work. She is also a past president of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama and recipient of its J. L. Moreno Award.
Testimonials
“Trial Lawyers College is unlike any other legal education I’ve experienced. It’s not about scripts or technique. It’s about truth, presence, and learning how to show up authentically for your client and your case."
- Rachel Scott Allen
“Trial Lawyers College made me a better lawyer — plain and simple."
- Scott Cohen
"I am a 2015 graduate of the Trial Lawyers College (TLC), and it is no exaggeration to say that the experience was truly life changing. TLC fundamentally changed the way I practice law, the way I show up for my clients, and the way I understand storytelling, authenticity, and truth in the courtroom."
- John Carroll