Graduate II: When You're Ready for the Next Chapter
A week-long, in-person immersion that takes TLC alumni beyond performance and into a deeper connection. Through intensive, story-driven work you will uncover the emotional truth of your client’s experience—and learn to tell it in a way that moves jurors to act.
BOOK OWN HOTEL ROOM AT TLC GROUP RATE.
August 22-29, 2026
Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, NE
Study Real Cases
Dissect real-world cases in small groups with guidance from TLC-trained faculty and psychodramatists. This is where seasoned trial lawyers come to break through and elevate their craft.
Storytelling & Story Editing
Build emotionally resonant narratives with support from The Moth storytelling teachers and TLC alumni. Present your client's story clearly, powerfully, and without apology.

Immersive Training
Step away from the daily grind and into a focused and safe space with peers who are just as committed to growing (and winning) as you are. You'll leave with a network of support and champions for life.
Faculty Lead
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.
What You'll Do and Learn
The Graduate II course is where seasoned advocates return to reconnect with purpose, sharpen their voice, and deepen their storytelling.
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 you 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, you 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. You will work in small groups and practice your skills on cases. You will receive constructive feedback and guidance from experienced TLC-trained trial lawyers and licensed, certified psychodramatists. By the end of the course, you 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 Standard Time
Session times to come
Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, NE
Enjoy the peaceful setting of Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm, complete with 140 guest rooms, luxurious bedding, soothing nature-inspired décor, and scenic views. The Lied Lodge is 60 minutes from Omaha's Eppley Airfield (OMA), and two hours from the Kansas City International Airport.
(Tuition does not include lodging. Once registered, you'll receive a link to book your room at a TLC group rate. $159++ single, $169++ double. Deadline to reserve your room is July 21, 2026.)Cancellation Policy
Given the high cost of providing courses with highly trained faculty and at easily accessible venues nationwide TLC will follow a strict cancellation policy. We offer the following options:
1. In the case where a student needs to cancel, they have 31 days prior to the course to cancel and receive a full refund. If it is after the 31-day deadline, to receive a full refund they may contact TLCfinance@triallawyerscollege.org with the name of a replacement student who is prepared to take their place. This is especially important to cover the cost of the committed expenses. After the replacement student completes registration including full payment, a full refund will be processed.
2. If no replacement is found for their reserved spot prior to the program, we will apply 50% of the paid tuition as a credit towards a future program, to be used within one year, and use the other 50% towards already incurred course expenses. If you have any questions, please contact TLCfinance@triallawyerscollege.org.
To Make This Course the Most Impactful It Can Be, Space Is Limited To 45 Participants
Tuition Includes: Training and buffet style meals. Tuition does not include lodging or transportation. Once registered, you'll receive a link to book your room at a TLC group rate. $159++ single, $169++ double. Deadline to reserve your room is July 21, 2026.
Course Tuition: $3250
Registration Deadline: July 8,2026
ADA Accommodations Deadline: July 8, 2026
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 the full tuition is paid in full well before arrival at the course.
START APPLICATION!Accreditation 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.
For Trial Lawyers Who Aren’t Settling
Register now and join a group of dedicated trial lawyers committed to showing up, digging deep, and delivering justice through story.
- Learn to inspire and persuade every audience, every time
- Break out of your comfort zone in a small group structure
- Experience real cases
- Find collaboration and connection with a network of peers
- Uplevel your skill and craft
Testimonials
“My time as a student at TLC changed my life and extended my career by at least ten years. My time as faculty has allowed me to pay back for some of the gifts I received as a student."
- TLC Alum
“It gave me the confidence to remain in this profession and a mind/skill set that has allowed me to enjoy decent successes with jury trials."
- TLC Alum
"Changed my personal and professional life. Psychodrama was a game changer. I allowed the poet and storyteller to come forward in my professional work. In both contexts I became more honest with myself and others."
- TLC Alum