3-Week College: A Turning Point in How You Try Cases.
For more than 30 years, TLC has helped trial lawyers strengthen the skills that matter most in the courtroom: uncovering the truth, telling a compelling story, connecting with jurors, and advocating with greater confidence and power. At the 3-Week College, you’ll step away from routine and immerse yourself in the TLC Method through psychodrama, intensive case work, and on-your-feet training designed to sharpen your skills across every phase of trial.
This is not an intro to trial advocacy. It is an opportunity to deepen your craft, challenge familiar habits, and build the skill, authenticity, and confidence to try cases at a higher level. In short, it is an invitation to Win.
Full Details Below
August 8-31, 2027
Mo Ranch
Hunt, TX
Destination
Mo Ranch, Hunt, Texas
Set on 500 acres along the spring-fed Guadalupe River in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Mo-Ranch offers an immersive setting for the focused, transformative work that defines the 3-Week College. Surrounded by limestone bluffs, wooded trails and open spaces, participants can balance intensive learning and community with time to recharge through hiking, outdoor recreation, and quiet moments along the river.
Please note: Mo-Ranch is owned by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and welcomes outside organizations and guests of all backgrounds. TLC is an independent, nonsectarian organization and is not affiliated with the Presbyterian Church or Mo-Ranch. TLC has selected Mo-Ranch solely as the host venue for the 2027 3-Week College.
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.
Core Skills You'll Learn
Discovering the Story: Traditional trial skills using the TLC Method are only part of being a persuasive force in the courtroom. To understand the power of a case the lawyer must not only identify the facts of the case but the emotional content. This starts with knowledge of oneself which in turn will give the lawyer the capability to know others and connect with each person in the courtroom including the client, witnesses, the judge and the jurors. The trained TLC faculty lead lawyers to this discovery. The power of TLC’s methods come alive through creative, spontaneous, outside-the-box innovations that capture juries and move them to justice.
Voir Dire: The TLC Method for Voir Dire trains trial lawyers to identify jurors who are favorable to the themes and objectives of the lawyer’s case, to develop powerful questioning techniques to uncover juror biases and attitudes and to build rapport with potential jurors to establish trust and credibility using the power of psychodramatic tools.
Opening Statement: The TLC Method for Opening Statement trains trial lawyers to forge an honest relationship with the jury by giving a genuine voice to the client’s story and avoid damaging pitfalls to deliver a winning Opening Statement using the power of psychodramatic tools.
Direct Examination: The TLC Method for Direct Examination trains trial lawyers to learn their client’s story and then bring their client’s story to life in a powerful way through their own witnesses. The lawyers will learn to recognize and avoid pitfalls of Direct Examination to deliver a powerful message to win justice for the client.
Cross Examination: The TLC Method for Cross Examination trains trial lawyers to apply the psychodramatic methods that improve listening skills and therefore the ability to understand and empathize with everyone in the courtroom, including opposing witnesses. The TLC Method provides trial attorneys the rare and important opportunity to not only build credibility but also transform an opposing witness into a witness for their client.
Closing Argument: The TLC Method for Closing Argument combined with the psychodramatic method teaches attorneys how to win justice for their clients by connecting their client's story, their loss and pain to those in a jury and courtroom.
ALL TIMES are in Central Standard Time
Agenda subject to slight modifications:
Sunday, August 8
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Registration - Guest Room Check-in 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM In SessionMonday, August 9 – Friday, August 13
7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM In Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM In Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM In Session Saturday, August 14 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM In Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner Sunday, August 15 Student Day Off Monday, August 16 - Saturday, August 21 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM In Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM In Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM In Session Sunday, August 22 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM In Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner Monday, August 23 – Tuesday, August 24 Student days off Wednesday, August 25 – Saturday, August 28 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM In Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM In Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM In Session Sunday, August 29 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM In Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM In Session 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Cocktail Hour 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Dinner with President and Faculty Monday, August 30 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM In Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM In Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM In Session Tuesday, August 31 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Election of Class Rep, GRADUATION and GoodbyesMo Ranch, Hunt, Texas
Set on 500 acres along the spring-fed Guadalupe River in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Mo-Ranch offers an immersive setting for the focused, transformative work that defines the 3-Week College. Surrounded by limestone bluffs, wooded trails and open spaces, participants can balance intensive learning and community with time to recharge through hiking, outdoor recreation, and quiet moments along the river.
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.Deadlines, Tuition & Costs
Tuition: $8,000
Tuition includes all training, meals (as indicated on the agenda), shared guest room lodging with private bath and parking.
Application Deadline: May 17, 2027
Attendees must secure their own transportation to and from the course and during days off (as indicated on the agenda).
Attendees can pay the fixed price in full or opt for a payment plan that allows them to pay in 2 or 3 installments, with full payment made on or before June 25, 2027.
This course is based on a rigorous application process and class size is limited. The 3-week College is a must-attend for trial lawyers looking to enhance and develop their current trial skills and build a more successful legal career.
Flexible Payment Plans and Financial Assistance
The Trial Lawyers College offers partial financial assistance to those who apply and qualify as well as structured interest-free payments. Attendees can pay the fixed price in full or opt for a payment plan that allows them to pay in 2 or 3 installments, with full payment made on or before June 25, 2027.
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 and board members 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 half tuition, 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; and a statement of why 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 the full tuition is paid in full well before arrival at the course.
START APPLICATIONAccreditation will be applied for through the Texas State Bar
Accreditation will be applied for through the West Virginia State Bar. 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
- A deeper command of your client’s story—how to move beyond the facts to uncover the emotional truth, themes, and human experience that give a case its power.
- More purposeful Voir Dire using the TLC Method and psychodramatic tools to uncover bias, build trust, and identify the jurors who can fairly hear your client’s case.
- Stronger Opening Statements and Direct Examinations that bring your client’s story to life with clarity, authenticity, and persuasive force.
- More effective Cross Examination grounded in deeper listening, connection, and the ability to work with—even transform—an opposing witness.
- A more powerful Final Argument that connects the evidence, the story, and the justice you are asking the jury to deliver.
Deadline to apply is May 17, 2027
What's more, you'll also leave with a community that lasts well beyond the College—fellow TLC Warriors and faculty who become an ongoing source of connection, support, and continued growth
Meet Your Faculty
Eric Davis, Course Lead - Week 1
Eric Davis has practiced law since 1994 and serves as Trial Bureau Chief at the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, where he leads more than 100 lawyers. A TLC board and faculty member, Eric has tried more than 100 cases to verdict, with career-defining victories including exonerating a man wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years, securing acquittals in complex federal cases, and successfully overturning lengthy sentences on appeal.
Laura O'Sullivan, Course Lead - Week 1
Laura O’Sullivan has led more than 110 trials, including over 20 murder cases, securing acquittals and dismissals for clients facing the most serious charges. A retired Missouri Public Defender and former Director of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic at UMKC Law School, Laura now serves on the TLC Board and faculty, teaching lawyers across the country the storytelling skills that drive her courtroom success.
Render Freeman - Faculty Lead - Week 2
For more than 25 years, Render C. Freeman has devoted his career to holding wrongdoers accountable and seeking justice for families facing tragedy. With deep experience in medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, trucking, and wrongful death cases, he takes on only a few clients at a time so he can give each case his full attention. A nationally recognized trial lawyer, Render serves on the faculty of the Trial Lawyers College and has taught lawyers across the country. His unique background as both a defense and plaintiffs’ attorney gives him rare insight into how juries decide cases — and how to win them.
Amanda Harber - Faculty Lead - Week 2
For over a decade, Amanda Harber has defended clients across Alaska — from Anchorage courtrooms to remote villages. Founder of 49th State Law, she has argued before the Alaska Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Amanda serves on the board of the Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, leads the F Warriors, and teaches as a proud member of the TLC faculty.
Paula Estefan - Faculty Lead - Week 3
Paula Estefan is a seasoned attorney specializing in medical malpractice law in Texas. With 35 years of experience, she has built a distinguished career advocating for clients who have suffered due to medical negligence. Throughout her practice, Paula has gained a reputation for her deep understanding of the complexities of medical law, a commitment to justice, and an unwavering dedication to her clients. Her extensive experience has made her a trusted legal expert in the field, and she continues to provide top-tier legal representation for those in need of advocacy in medical malpractice cases.
Ron Estefan - Faculty Lead - Week 3
Ron a Houston trial lawyer who fights for everyday people when their lives are upended by someone else’s negligence. At The Estefan Firm, P.C., he’s built a practice dedicated to making things right—and making the system more fair, one case at a time. Ron tried his first case just weeks after getting licensed and quickly realized that winning wasn’t enough—he wanted to deliver justice. That drive brought him to Trial Lawyers College in 2005, where he deepened his commitment to fighting with purpose and heart. Today, Ron stands proudly with the Davids of the world, taking on the Goliaths who stand in their way.
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