Liberty Law students attend prestigious Lanier Trial Academy in Houston

Eight students from Liberty University School of Law were invited by distinguished trial attorney Mark Lanier to attend Lanier Trial Academy from June 16-19 in Houston, Texas. This marks the second consecutive year that Liberty Law students have attended the academy, cost-free.

Renowned for his tenacity and innovative courtroom strategies, Lanier stands out as one of the foremost civil trial lawyers in the United States. His storied career has been marked by numerous landmark verdicts against industry giants, resulting in $20 billion in damages across multiple personal injury and product liability lawsuits.

Lanier led every session and recognized the Liberty Law students in front of the over 1,000 attorneys, students, and vendors present at the academy.

“The original purpose of (Lanier Trial Academy) is to educate the next generation of lawyers to aid in bringing justice to the poor and oppressed,” Lanier said. “One of my highlights is seeing the organic growth of the academy. We have so many people who come over and over again.”

The Lanier Trial Academy also included a golf scramble and tour of the 17,000-square-foot Lanier Theological Library on the first day. The sessions ranged from how to communicate effectively during a trial, the use of AI for visual aids, the neuroscience behind persuasive techniques, factors in choosing a jury, and more. Each day also had networking sessions and breaks for students to interact and connect with the other lawyers and vendors.

Professor of Law Pamela Bell, who accompanied the students, said all eight are interested in a career as a trial attorney.

“I was so proud of our students,” Bell said. “They were so professional and attentive. They were exceptional ambassadors for LU and the School of Law.”

Rising third-year students Rae’Lee Klein and Caleb Moody are members of Liberty Law’s nationally recognized trial competition team.

“Over the past year, we’ve consistently performed at a high level in national competitions,” Klein said. “Mark Lanier, a champion of trial advocacy, has generously supported our team and invited us to attend his prestigious academy for a second year in a row. It was an honor to learn alongside my teammate, Caleb Moody, and a select group of future trial lawyers.”

Rising second-year Jerry Finney said it was inspiring to learn from Lanier.

“To be able to sit in front of a Christian who is a seasoned lawyer and obtain numerous amounts of information on how to be a successful trial attorney was an opportunity I could not say no to,” he said. “I was and am still extremely grateful to be invited to take part in this and get to represent Liberty University School of Law to over 1,000 lawyers and vendors in Houston, Texas.”

Finney said Lanier emphasized the importance of seeing your client as more than just a litigant — a valuable takeaway from the week.

“Clients are human beings with (autonomy), emotions, and, more importantly, a story,” Finney added. “Mark Lanier, being a Christian, helped establish such a wonderful biblical worldview on how to see your clients. Biblically speaking, all humans are image bearers of Christ and therefore should all be treated in a manner that glorifies God.”

The students also appreciated the relevancy of the sessions, particularly how to use the new technology of artificial intelligence.

“The use of AI to develop visual aids and the discussions of knowing your audience were significantly eye-opening to me,” said rising third-year Samuel Jimenez. “The tools shared and the suggestions for reading material and AI platforms are tips that I plan to incorporate in my last year of law school and future practice of law.”

Rising third-year student Rachel Archulet, who recently received her third-year practice certificate allowing her to practice with supervision before graduating, said the academy helped prepare her for her first trial next month.

“With my passion for justice and helping others through civil litigation as a future plaintiff’s attorney, I recognized that attending the academy would be invaluable preparation for my career,” she said. “I knew this was the perfect opportunity to enhance my knowledge of trial techniques before stepping into the courtroom.”

“I not only feel I have gained a deeper appreciation for the legal field, but I also feel closer to the Lord,” Archulet added. “Mr. Lanier has taught me to keep God at the center of my life and never be afraid to share His name, His blessings, and my faith with others.”