The Detroit Mercy Law Review welcomes legal professionals, students, academics, scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders from across the country to discuss topics involving effective legal advocacy.

Effective legal advocacy refers to the art of persuasively using the law to represent clients, resolve disputes, and promote justice. Effective legal advocacy entails more than just a mastery of legal principles; it requires the strategic acumen to apply them persuasively in a diverse and often high-stakes environment. Whether orally advocating for clients in courtrooms, negotiating complex transactions, or crafting and presenting compelling legal arguments, successful advocacy goes beyond technical proficiency—it demands a deep understanding of human behavior, communication, and ethics.

This symposium topic seeks to delve into the nuanced skills, methodologies, and strategic innovations that transform legal theory into effective advocacy. By fostering a dialogue among leading practitioners and scholars, we aim to explore how young lawyers can develop the necessary advocacy skills to excel in litigation or transactional practice, focusing on advanced strategies and techniques that proffer successful client outcomes both in and out of the courtroom. Participants will gain insights into not only the practical mechanics of advocacy, but also the broader implications for justice, policy, and societal change.

Please note: Panel 2 & 3 and Panel 4 & 5 occur at the same time(s). Register for specific panel session of choice. Registration will close Thursday, March 6 at 3:00 PM (ET).

Opening Remarks & Panel 1: Practical Legal Skills for New Lawyers (9:00 AM-10:50 AM)

Panel 2: Resolving Conflicts & Effective Negotiations (11:00 AM-12:30 PM)

Panel 3: Innovative Approaches to Advocacy (11:00 AM-12:30 PM)

Panel 4: Advancing Advocacy Through Ethics, Psychology, and Story Telling (1:45 PM-3:30 PM)

Panel 5: Advocating for Justice Across Borders & Systems (1:45 PM-3:20 PM)

Keynote: The Winning Psychology & Techniques of Successful Trial Attorneys (3:35 PM-4:35 PM)

Closing Remarks & Reception: In the Atrium immediately following the symposium

Parking: Guests may park at the Detroit Mercy Student Lot. Entrance to parking lot located off Congress Street. Street parking is also available on Jefferson Ave., Congress, St. Antoine. See map below. Please note: The main entrance to the School of Law is located off Larned St.

For additional information on the speakers and presentations, please click here.

Questions? Contact Symposium Director Allie Farris at farrisaj@udmercy.edu

2025 Detroit Mercy Law Review Symposium