Training Advocates Conference 2026:
Building Better Advocacy.
Charleston Law, in conjunction with the University of South Carolina Law School and Temple James E. Beasley School of Law, is proud to host the annual Training Advocates Conference (TAC) in Charleston, South Carolina, August 7 – 8, 2026. TAC convenes coaches, faculty, program directors, and competition directors in all fields of advocacy to learn the best practices for teaching competition students.
This two-day conference begins Friday, August 7th, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, immediately followed by a social gathering. On Saturday, August 8th, the program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
Topics include (but are not limited to):
- Bridging the Divide Between Classroom Doctrine and Courtroom Reality
- Student Confidence versus Competence
- Building Better Advocates
- On the Same Page: Rethinking the Coach-Competitor Dynamic
- Trophies or Trial Lawyers?
- Advocacy 2035: What’s Next?
Additionally, TAC offers breakout sessions specifically geared towards all facets of student competitions, including mock trial, dispute resolution, and moot court.
COST AND CLE CREDITS
Discounted early registration fee – by July 1, 2026:
Early registration fees – Register by July 1, 2026, for the discounted rate of $250 for the first registrant and $200 for each additional registrant.
Standard registration fee – after July 1, 2026:
After July 1, 2026, the registration cost increases to $300.00 per registrant.
Continuing Legal Education Credits
CLE will be provided for Pennsylvania. For attendees who are licensed in another state, a certificate of completion will be provided. South Carolina accreditation is pending.
PLANNING COMMITTEE
A special thank you to the planning committee for identifying exciting topics and excellent presenters. This year’s planning committee members are:
Mock Trial:
- Professor Elizabeth Lippy, Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law
- Professor Suzanne Chapman, Charleston School of Law
- Professor Brett Bayne, University of South Carolina
- Professor Adam Shlahet, Fordham University School of Law
- The Honorable Jim Roberts, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
- Professor Joe Lester, Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law
Moot Court:
- Professor Kris Vicencio, University of Baltimore School of Law
- Professor Taylor Freeman Peshehonoff, the University of Oklahoma College of Law
- Michael Peil, Executive Director, International Law Students Association
- Professor Jules Epstein, Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law
Dispute Resolution:
- Professor Kristen David Adams, Stetson University College of Law
- Professor Megan Daic, University of Houston Law Center
- Professor Ben Warren, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
- Professor Todd Berger, Syracuse University College of Law