Our Interview With Robert Molko, Professor of Law at Western State College of Law

‍Juris Education interviewed Robert Molko, Professor of Law at Western State College of Law, for an exclusive look at what sets the school's Trial Advocacy Program apart.

What Makes the Trial Advocacy Program at Western State College of Law Stand Out from the Competition?

At Western State College of Law, the Trial Advocacy Program turns classroom theory into courtroom confidence. What sets it apart, says Robert Molko, Professor of Law at Western State, is “the dedication of both the students who participate and their coaches. We have three coaches, and they really put their hearts into directing these students.”

Students work closely with coaches like Robert Molko, Mark Brown, and alum Michael Vasquez, who returned to give back to his alma mater. This alumni involvement means students benefit from both seasoned faculty and recent graduates who know what it takes to succeed.

With small teams and hands-on coaching, Professor Molko, who also leads Western State’s Mock Trial teams, calls it “the best thing a student could do in law school if they intend to be a trial lawyer. It’s the refinement of everything they’ve learned, and presentation of what they’ve learned in a manner that will actually work in a courtroom.” This intensive, supportive environment reflects Western State’s focus on practical skills, mentorship, and real-world readiness.

Located in the heart of Orange County, Western State’s strong community and close ties to local courthouses make it a hub for ambitious advocates. Alumni keep coming back as coaches because they know the value of Western State’s hands-on, heart-in learning culture.

Which Qualities Can Students Build During the Trial Advocacy Program at Western State College of Law?

At Western State, Trial Advocacy empowers students to build a dynamic toolkit, cultivating skills, instincts, and professional confidence that last throughout their legal careers. “Students develop their skills of presentation, of how to react to unexpected situations,” says Professor Molko. Trial advocacy is where students build an authentic passion and presence: “You have to be extremely attentive to what’s going on. Many things are happening at the same time in a courtroom. That’s one thing we try to work on very much.”

At Western State, trial advocates learn real-world multitasking skills that are essential for lawyering. “It’s not only what you’re going to do, but what the other side is doing, what the witness is doing, what the judge is doing, what the jury is doing, all at the same time. Which takes a lot of practice,” Professor Molko explains. This ability becomes second nature for trial advocacy students at Western State.

Just as important, students overcome the natural reluctance to speak in public. “The students overcome the reluctance to speak in front of an audience. They become much more comfortable doing it in front of total strangers with confidence,” says Professor Molko.

By the time students finish the program, they are prepared for whatever the courtroom throws at them—confident, composed, and ready to turn their legal knowledge into real-world impact. Trial Advocacy at Western State is where future lawyers become advocates, and where advocates become leaders.

For more information on Western State College of Law's Trial Advocacy Program, visit https://www.wsulaw.edu/wp-content/uploads/Advanced-Trial-Advocacy-Syllabus-Molko-Fall-2025.pdf.

For information about Western State College of Law, visit https://www.wsulaw.edu/. 

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.