Last week criminal defense attorneys in South Carolina had the opportunity to earn continuing legal education credits through hands-on coaching without leaving the state.
Most CLE courses employ a lecture format that relies on passive learning. The inaugural Richard Scott Joye Trial College, inspired by the National Criminal Defense College and modeled after the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Trial Advocacy Program, was structured more like a boot camp.
“There are very few opportunities for this kind of hands-on training,” says Dayne Phillips (‘10), a criminal defense attorney who coordinated the Trial College alongside Kitty Sutton (‘89) and Gary Lemel. “One of our experienced lawyers told me that it was nerve-wracking to do an opening statement in front of lawyers they respect... but he feels like being put in that position definitely made him a better lawyer.”
The four-day schedule was packed with opportunities to work on developing a theme in theory, direct examination, cross-examining witnesses, and closing arguments. Attorneys also received feedback on the more personal aspects of courtroom presentation, namely body language, tone, and eye contact.
“When Kitty mentioned the Trial College, I immediately sought to apply. I’ve been a public defender for the last nine years, and I always strive to sharpen my trial practice,” says Elizabeth Hedgecoe Neyle (’12), who works in indigent defense in the Pee Dee region. “Here, we not only get to advocate in a courtroom atmosphere, but also we receive feedback from premier criminal defense attorneys in this state.”
The Trial College implemented a competitive entry process, requiring applicants to submit a resume, character reference, and a letter of interest. In addition to sponsoring the Trial College, the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (SCACDL) Educational Foundation Board of Directors selected the inaugural class of 12 attorneys.
Each member of the class exhibited their commitment to investing in their professional development, a tribute to Richard Scott Joye (‘95).
Joye was a lauded criminal defense attorney who typified dedication to self-improvement, education and relationship building. When he passed away unexpectedly in 2023, the program facilitators agreed it was fitting to name the Trial College after him.
“He never stopped trying to be a better lawyer than he was the month before, and I think that he really would be appreciative and shocked that we have named this college in his honor, but he deserves it,” says Jim Huff (‘84), an experienced defense attorney and faculty member of the Trial College. “He was an accomplished trial attorney that everyone liked. He had great integrity. He was a fighter in the courtroom. And we hope this college will help others do the same over the years.”
Joye was also known for his generosity, which the Trial College faculty members and facilitators emulated. Nearly everyone involved donated their time for the duration of the Trial College, including the host institution, USC Rice School of Law.
The CLE division of the Bar and Judge Robert Hood also supported the Trial College, which required extensive planning and preparation. For now, Sutton, SCACDL executive director, hopes to offer it every other year.
“This is such a labor of love, truly, and a gift for South Carolina attorneys,” Sutton says. “We did it because there wasn’t a South Carolina program, and everyone’s been so enthusiastic. Even people that had a lot of trial experience are learning a whole new way of doing things.”