NALA ACP Trial Practice study plan

Map the trial-practice blueprint by listing every tested task area and ranking each by the number of practice questions it is likely to generate

Define the seven stages of civil litigation from pleadings through post-trial motions in your own words, writing one sentence per stage

Draft a one-page glossary of core trial terms (pleading, motion in limine, voir dire, directed verdict, proffer, offer of proof) and quiz yourself until recall is automatic

Build a reusable case-file index template that tracks parties, claims, deadlines, and exhibit numbering for any hypothetical fact pattern

Outline the sequence and purpose of pretrial motions, distinguishing motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and motions in limine

Explain the mechanics of discovery (interrogatories, requests for production, depositions, requests for admission) and identify which discovery disputes commonly reach a trial-practice question

Practice drafting a short motion in limine with a caption, legal standard, argument, and proposed order

Self-test on pretrial procedure with 20 recall questions and log every miss with a corrected rule statement

Describe jury selection end to end, including the purpose of voir dire, cause challenges, and peremptory strikes

Analyze the constitutional limits on peremptory challenges and articulate the three-step burden-shifting framework used to evaluate a strike challenged as discriminatory

Draft six voir dire questions that avoid improper commitment-seeking and note why each is permissible

Complete a timed 15-question set on jury selection and review every rationale, not just the correct letter

Sequence the trial itself: opening statements, plaintiff's case-in-chief, defendant's case, rebuttal, closing arguments, and jury instructions

Distinguish the permissible scope of opening statement from argument and identify what content belongs only in closing

Explain the order of examination (direct, cross, redirect, recross) and the scope limits that apply to each

Practice objecting in writing: draft ten objections with the correct ground and a one-sentence supporting rationale each

Categorize the rules of evidence most often tested in trial practice: relevance, character evidence, hearsay and its exceptions, impeachment, and privilege

Apply the hearsay rule to ten short fact patterns and state for each whether the statement is admissible and why

Differentiate impeachment by prior inconsistent statement, bias, conviction, and reputation, and note the foundation each requires

Explain the purpose of an offer of proof and when counsel must make one to preserve error

Describe the roles of judge and jury, including judgment as a matter of law and the standard for granting it

Outline the jury instruction and verdict process, including general versus special verdicts and the consequences of an inconsistent verdict

Identify the steps required to preserve an issue for appeal and explain how each step appears in a trial record

Draft a short post-trial motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict with the governing standard stated correctly

Simulate a full trial-practice exam under time pressure, completing a mixed set of questions in one sitting without notes

Diagnose your three weakest subtopics from the simulation and write a corrective rule summary for each

Re-drill every missed question from weeks 1 through 6 and confirm you can state the governing rule without prompting

Practice explaining an answer aloud in under 60 seconds to build the habit of justifying a choice rather than guessing

Consolidate all reference sheets into a single final review packet organized by trial stage

Run two timed half-length practice sets and compare accuracy against your week 7 baseline

Recite from memory the standards for judgment as a matter of law, the hearsay definition, and the framework for evaluating peremptory challenges

Finalize a one-page exam-day checklist covering timing, question triage, and flagging uncertain items for return