Our Interview With Mitchell E. Zamoff, Assistant Dean of Experiential Education at the University of Minnesota Law School

Juris Education interviewed Mitchell E. Zamoff, the Assistant Dean of Experiential Education at the University of Minnesota Law School, for an exclusive look at what sets the school's Trial Advocacy Program apart.

What makes the Trial Advocacy program at the University of Minnesota Law School stand out from the competition?

‍Minnesota Law’s Trial Advocacy program is part of one of the top 10 lawyering skills programs in the nation, according to National Jurist. The program is distinctive because of its faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and the wide range of opportunities students have to develop their litigation skills. Our professors are sitting judges and decorated trial lawyers who are not only accomplished litigators but also gifted teachers. The program is taught in two new teaching courtrooms, outfitted with cutting-edge technology designed to replicate the dynamics of modern litigation practice. These premier facilities provide students with an immersive and realistic environment in which to develop their advocacy skills. In addition to the foundational Trial Practice course, students can deepen their training by taking Advanced Trial Practice as well as an innovative experiential simulation course focused on courtroom evidence practice. Minnesota Law students also have extraordinary opportunities to put their trial skills into action beyond the classroom. With nearly 30 law clinics and a wide range of externships across the Twin Cities, students are able to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, real-world settings. In sum, Minnesota Law’s Trial Advocacy program blends elite instruction, cutting-edge facilities, advanced course offerings, and unparalleled experiential opportunities.

‍Which qualities can students build during the Trial Advocacy program at the University of Minnesota Law School?

‍Students in the Trial Advocacy program at the Minnesota Law develop the core qualities that define outstanding courtroom advocates. They learn to inspire confidence in judges and juries through compelling presentation, professional demeanor, and clear, persuasive argument. The program emphasizes the ability to communicate about complex legal and factual concepts in plain, accessible language—a skill essential to effective advocacy. Through hands-on training in our cutting-edge teaching courtrooms, students also master the integration of modern technology into trial presentations, using digital tools to enhance clarity and impact. And they build resiliency and flexibility: the ability to think on their feet, respond to the unexpected, and adapt under pressure. Ultimately, the program instills deep confidence—the kind that comes from rigorous preparation, expert feedback, and real-world practice. Minnesota Law graduates emerge as capable, credible, and trustworthy advocates, ready to excel in high-stakes courtroom settings from day one.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts at the nation's most renowned law schools for insights on what makes their programs unique and how they shape career-ready law students.