NDAA Trial Advocacy Lab: Throughline - Case Theory to Closing Argument

Monday, January 25, 2027 at 5:00 PM (EST) to Thursday, January 28, 2027 at 12:00 PM (EST)

Francis Marion Hotel

387 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403-6404
United States

Throughline - Case Theory to Closing Argument
January 25-28, 2027 | Charleston, SC

An NDAA Trial Advocacy Lab

Opening statements and closing arguments serve different purposes, but both should grow from the same evidence-grounded understanding of a case.

Before opening, prosecutors must decide what the evidence can credibly promise. After the evidence is presented, they must explain how the record supports reasonable inferences and the requested verdict. That means connecting proof, theory, theme, and motive where supported—while making clear what is fact, what is inference, and what remains argument.

The central challenge is carrying that understanding from preparation through trial, adapting when the evidence or circumstances change, and persuading without overstating the case. The Throughline gives prosecutors frameworks, tools, and practical application to strengthen that work.

What You Will Do in This Program

This program combines targeted instruction with practical application, feedback, and revision so participants can carry one evidence-grounded case theory from opening through closing.

Throughout the program, you will

Connect evidence, theory, theme, and supported motive without treating motive as a substitute for proof
Prepare an opening that gives jurors clear, credible expectations grounded in the evidence
Develop a closing that explains how the evidence and reasonable inferences support the requested verdict
Distinguish established facts from the inferences, impact, and analysis to keep your advocacy accurate and clear
Organize the case and strengthen recall through mapping, rehearsal, and flexible cues
Choose where tone and emotional emphasis can help jurors understand the human stakes supported by the evidence
Adapt to weakness, objections, rulings, or changed circumstances while maintaining credibility and independent judgement

Cost

Members: $975
Non-members: $1,125

Eligibility:

NDAA is committed to serving prosecutors and the professionals who support the prosecution function. Attendance is limited to prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, witness coordinators, paralegals in local, state, tribal, federal, and military government attorneys' offices, law enforcement professionals, and other members of the multidisciplinary team who work in or closely with prosecution.

If you are not sure about your eligibility, please contact ssencer@ndaajustice.org

General Questions?

Please contact training@ndaajustice.org.

Registration Options

Registration Options	Credits	Price
Member	1.00 (CLE)	$975.00
Non-Member	1.00 (CLE)	$1,125.00

Hotel

Francis Marion Hotel

387 King Street
Charleston, SC 29403

Hotel Rate

$209.00 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees.

NDAA has reserved a limited block of rooms for conference attendees. The contracted rate is available for January 24–28, 2027, subject to availability.

Book Your Hotel Reservation

Online Reservation Link

Attendees may also make reservations directly with the Francis Marion Hotel by calling 843-722-0600 or 877-756-2121 and identifying themselves as attending the NDAA 2027 Trial Advocacy Lab

Reservation Deadline

Reservations must be made by 5:00 p.m. local hotel time on Monday, January 4, 2027.

After the deadline, unreserved rooms will be released from the group block. The hotel may continue to accept reservations at the prevailing rate, subject to availability, and will make reasonable efforts to offer the group rate if rooms remain available.

Extend Your Stay

The $209 group rate may be available for up to three days before and after the event, based on room availability.

Additional Fees May Apply

Current hotel charges include

Self parking
$3.00 per hour, up to $24.00 per day

Valet parking
$40.00 plus tax per day

Destination marketing fee
$2.00 plus tax per room, per night

Check In and Check Out

Check in begins at 4:00 p.m.
Check out is 12:00 p.m.

How do I request an accommodation?

We want every participant to be able to fully engage in NDAA’s training programs. Please email training@ndaajustice.org with your accommodation request. Our team will work with you to support an accessible and inclusive learning experience.

When should I submit my accommodation request?

Whenever possible, please submit your request:

Virtual programs: At least three business days before the program.
In-person programs: At least two weeks before the program.

Advance notice gives us the best opportunity to arrange the necessary supports and services. If you need an accommodation closer to the program date, please contact us. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request.

How do I cancel my registration or request a refund?

Please submit your cancellation and refund request in writing to training@ndaajustice.org.

Refund eligibility is based on when NDAA receives your written request, measured from the first day of the event:

When Your Request Is Received	Refund
30 or more calendar days before the event	Full refund
15–29 calendar days before the event	75% refund
14 or fewer calendar days before the event	No refund or credit
No-show	No refund or credit

Can someone attend in my place?

Yes. Substitutions are welcome at any time, and you can make the change yourself through the registration process.

If another eligible member of your office will attend in your place, please update your registration with their information so we can prepare for their arrival.

If you need assistance, email training@ndaajustice.org—we’re happy to help.

Where can I find NDAA’s other policies?

Please visit NDAA’s Policies page for additional policies and procedures, including our Code of Conduct.

NDAA reserves the right to update this policy as needed.

For More Information:

The Education & Engagement Team

training@ndaajustice.org