The Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute
Apply for 2024 DDTPI
The National Criminal Defense College’s Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute is the original, transformative, two-week trial skills program designed exclusively for criminal defense practitioners. In place for over 35 years, NCDC is proud to call over nine thousand criminal defense attorneys its alumni.
Each two-week session is limited to 128 participants, divided into 16 small groups according to trial experience. Participants receive individualized feedback in small group exercises. This is where transformation really happens.
We believe you have to get on your feet to become a great trial lawyer. The Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute teaches participants each trial skill from client interview to closing argument via a time-tested three-step process: creative lecture presentations, on-your-feet small group exercises, and powerful demonstrations.
NCDC’s faculty, nationally renowned trial lawyers and coaches, are with participants every step of the way. Professional actors play clients and true-to-life witnesses.
2024
Session I – June 16 – June 29, 2024
Session II – July 14 – 27, 2024
2025
Session I – June 15 – June 28, 2025
Session II – July 13 – 26, 2025
Located in Fairfax, Virginia at the Hilton Fairfax.
“This experience has changed my life. The quality of the programming and instruction are incomparable, and I learned more here than I thought possible.”
ADMISSIONS
We have now opened the admissions process for the 2024 Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute. If you have questions about the application process, please contact NCDC at contact@ncdc.net.
Prosecutors interested in skills training should reach out to the National College for District Attorneys (NCDA).
If your office is sponsoring a group, you can use the office application. Please note that each individual is also required to submit an application to be considered for admission.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A limited number of scholarships are available that cover all or part of tuition of those whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent their attendance. Some scholarships also cover the costs of accommodations and/or travel. Scholarship recipients may be asked to share a room with another participant.
Applicants can request consideration for a Deryl Dantzler Scholarship within the Trial Practice Institute Application itself. Scholarship applications from other organizations may require additional submissions. Check with your state or local criminal defense organization to see whether there is a scholarship available in your area.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Tuition & Housing Costs
Tuition for the 2024 Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute is $2,700.00 per person and includes weekday breakfast and lunch. Tuition does not include travel, accommodations, or evening and weekend meals.
Housing costs for 2024 are $139 per night for a private room (plus applicable taxes and fees). All accommodations must be booked directly through the hotel.
Accommodations
Participants will stay at the Hilton Fairax in Fairfax, Virgina. The Hilton Fairfax is 20 minutes from Dulles Airport, walking distance to many shops and eateries, and with nearby access to public transportation.
The room rate is $139 per night for a single room and $149 per night for a double room (plus applicable taxes and fees).
Meals
Tuition for the Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute covers one social dinner as well as breakfast each morning and lunch on weekdays. If you have special dietary requirements, please specify your needs when registering.
Cancellations & Substitions
Cancellations are accepted and tuition refunds may be available after June 1st, dependent on NCDC filling your vacant spot with another attendee. Substitutions will be allowed upon approval by NCDC staff.
“Not only have my skills been increased vastly, but I have also discovered a family of dedicated people to whom I can turn for help within the field…. It is rare that a person gets to learn so much from such enlightened people.”
