Trial Skills Foundation: Master the Win
At the center of our Trial Skills Foundation training is the TLC Method—a proven approach built over 30 years of courtroom success. Our Method teaches that a deeper understanding of yourself leads to stronger connections with clients, opposing counsel, judges, and jurors.
This immersive program will ground you in three core trial skills every trials lawyer needs to win—Vior Dire, Opening Statement, and Direct Examination—all taught in the TLC way, through connection, storytelling, and truth.
Full Details Below
March 1-7, 2027
Saddlebrook Resort
Wesley Chapel, FL
Destination
Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel, Florida
Inspire connection, ignite creativity, and elevate team dynamics in the lush surroundings of Saddlebrook Resort. Set on 480 scenic acres just outside Tampa, Saddlebrook is an ideal environment for unforgettable group experiences, blending active recreation with thoughtful programming—designed to challenge, motivate, and bring people together.
Please note: Tuition does not include lodging. Once registered, you'll receive information needed to book your room at a TLC group rate. Please do not use 3rd party booking parties.
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.
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.
To make this a more intimate, on-your-feet training, class size will be capped at 24 students.
ALL TIMES are in Eastern Standard Time. Agenda subject to slight modifications.
Monday, March 1
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Student Check-in 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Tuesday, March 2 8:00 AM to 9:00 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, March 3 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Course Session 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM Group Pictures 3:00 AM to 5:00 PM Course Session 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Course Session Thursday, March 4 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM 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, March 5 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM 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, March 6 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM 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 Guest Presentation Sunday, March 7 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Breakfast 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Course Session 11:30 PM to 12:00 PM GoodbyesSaddlebrook Resort, Tampa, Florida
Inspire connection, ignite creativity, and elevate team dynamics in the lush surroundings of Saddlebrook Resort. Set on 480 scenic acres just outside Tampa, this all-in-one setting creates the ideal environment for an unforgettable group experience. Saddlebrook blends active recreation with thoughtful programming—designed to challenge, motivate, and bring people together.Please note: Tuition includes the meals listed on the agenda but does not include lodging. Attendees will be responsible for booking their own hotel rooms. Once registered, you will receive information needed to book your room at a TLC group rate. Please do not use 3rd party booking sites. The TLC group rate also provides our attendees the option to book pre/post event room nights (based upon availability). Our group rate is $213 double occupancy (more for 3 or 4 people in room) plus tax (parking fee is $15 per night).
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.Course Fee: $3,100
Tuition includes the meals listed on the agenda but does not include lodging. Attendees will be responsible for booking their own hotel rooms. Once registered, you will receive information needed to book your room at a TLC group rate. Please do not use 3rd party booking sites. The TLC group rate also provides our attendees the option to book pre/post event room nights (based upon availability). Our group rate is $213 double occupancy (more for 3 or 4 people in room) plus tax (parking fee is $15 per night).
Deadline to register: January 25, 2027 Deadline to book hotel at TLC rate: February 7, 2027 11:59 PM ADA Deadline: January 25, 2027 Financial Assistance Deadline: January 18, 2027Please 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 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 Florida State Bar Association
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 ask purposeful questions that uncover jurors’ biases, attitudes, and life experiences.
- How to use psychodramatic tools to build trust, credibility, and meaningful connection with jurors.
- How to identify jurors who may be open—or resistant—to your case’s themes and objectives.
- How to avoid common pitfalls and deliver an Opening Statement that builds trust and prepares the jury to understand your case.
- How to conduct a compelling Direct Examination that helps witnesses tell their stories clearly and authentically.
Deadline to Register is January 25, 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
Ron Estefan, Faculty Lead
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.
Jacqui Ford, Faculty Lead
Jacqui Ford is an Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyer who brings deep personal understanding to her work representing people accused of crimes. After overcoming addiction and becoming a first-generation college student, Jacqui pursued the law to become the advocate she wished her own family had when her father faced a felony conviction. Today, she fights to ensure her clients are seen as whole people—not defined by their worst moment—and works to protect both their immediate freedom and their future.
Margo Cutter
Margot Cutter is an award-winning trial lawyer and partner at Cutter Law who helps people rebuild their lives after serious injury, medical malpractice, abuse, or the loss of a loved one. Known for bringing passion, energy, and tenacity to every case, Margot has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers. A 2021 graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, she now serves as a member of the TLC faculty.
Frank M. Mungo
Frank M. Mungo is a top criminal defense lawyer representing clients in Ohio and Kentucky, and a former felony prosecutor. Frank brings valuable insight into how criminal cases are investigated, developed, and tried. Frank’s distinctive approach combines his courtroom experience with extensive scientific training, including a degree in physics and two graduate degrees in engineering. He draws on that background to examine forensic evidence, expose weaknesses in the government’s case, and present complex information clearly and persuasively to jurors.
Shyanne Riddle
Shyanne Riddle is the managing partner of May McKinney PLLC, where she focuses on criminal defense and trial advocacy throughout Middle Tennessee. With extensive training in trauma-responsive representation, she devotes much of her pro bono work to people whose incarceration is connected to human trafficking. Shyanne is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, where she was elected class co-president, and currently serves on the F-Warriors Alumni Board and the board of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
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