It has been an exciting year for the Cameron County Young Lawyers Association (CCYLA). With a dynamic group of Officers and Board of Directors, CCYLA is fulfilling its mission of inspiring excellence in advocacy through training and education. CCYLA is accomplishing its mission by holding monthly Trial Skills Workshops in partnership with the local judiciary.

The workshops focus on preparing CCYLA members with trial skills they will need and utilize. The workshops are an hour long and are held in the host judge's courtroom. The host judge takes the lead in presenting during the workshop and follows the lecture with a question and answer session. The workshops are free to CCYLA members and $10.00 for non-members.

CCYLA's first Trial Skills Workshop, titled “Evidence in Trial,” was held in September. The speaker was the Honorable Judge Arturo Cisneros Nelson of the 138th Judicial District Court. Judge Nelson spoke about presenting evidence during trial and gave the lawyers suggestions on how to convince a judge and jury of their arguments. Taking questions from the audience, Judge Nelson answered questions ranging from publishing photos to the jury to cross-examination of witnesses. Judge Nelson also informed the young lawyers that they should always be aware of their demeanor in the courtroom. As Judge Nelson explained, “Exhibit No. 1 is the client; Exhibit No. 2 is the lawyer.”

The Honorable Judge Elia Cornejo Lopez of the 404th Judicial District Court hosted CCYLA's October workshop titled “Jury Selection.” This workshop focused on conducting voir dire, presenting challenges for cause and peremptory challenges. Judge Lopez suggested the lawyers open up to the jury panel during voir dire in an effort to humanize themselves to the panel. As Judge Lopez suggested, “Let the jury panel get to know something personal about you, this will help them open up to you during voir dire.” Judge Lopez also reminded the audience not to assume the jury knows what to expect in a trial, criminal or civil. She stated, “It is better to be up front with the jury during voir dire and explain to them what they might be exposed to rather than surprise them with something they are offended by during trial.”

The Trial Skills Workshops have been a true success and have helped CCYLA achieve its mission in inspiring excellence in advocacy through training and education. CCYLA would like to take this opportunity to thank the local judiciary for their dedication and kindness.