At Virginia Josey Law, we believe in the importance of equipping the next generation of lawyers with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. With the hope to help encourage and inspire future trial lawyers, Virginia Josey takes time to teach a pivotal course at Mercer University School of Law, Advanced Litigation Drafting, and has for years. This course not only enhances students’ legal writing abilities, but also prepares them to be innovative and resourceful practitioners who can effectively advocate for their clients.
In the world of litigation, the way attorneys draft their documents can significantly influence the outcomes of legal proceedings. The Advanced Litigation Drafting course encourages students to think critically and creatively about how they present their arguments. Through practical assignments, students learn to craft persuasive motions, pleadings, discovery requests, and legal briefs. Our founding partner emphasizes the importance of tailoring these documents to the unique circumstances of each case.
A key focus of the class is on the power of language—not only to engage persuasively with opposing counsel and insurance adjusters, but also to connect meaningfully with juries and clients who need and want details. Students develop an understanding of how language shapes narratives and influences perceptions, empowering them to effectively advocate on behalf of their clients.
One of Virginia’s favorite lessons each semester involves the demand drafting process. There are many different types of demands, but this class focuses on how to discuss demands with a client, using demands as a tool to enhance the case, emphasizing persuasive details, and setting demands apart from the competition. Virginia also discusses case updates and encourages students to be aware of the impact of changing legislation on their clients’ cases. Also, students are taught how to craft a compelling demand, and to position their case effectively from the start.
By engaging students in real-world scenarios, they develop the skills necessary to formulate innovative legal theories and strategies. This course, offered once a week each semester in Macon, Georgia, challenges them to step outside the conventional boundaries of legal writing, preparing them to embrace the ever-evolving challenges of the practice of law. In a field where static approaches can lead to stagnation, fostering creativity is essential for effective advocacy.
The Advanced Litigation Drafting class is designed to provide law students in Macon, Georgia, with a profound understanding of the litigation process while considering the broader implications of their work. Throughout the course, students are given an example client and provided opportunities to prepare a trial notebook, taking them step by step through the litigation process, including a classroom mediation. Virginia takes the time each semester to grade each part of their notebook so that students are equipped with practical tools for their careers as litigators. This individual attention helps them understand the nuances of each component while reinforcing the importance of details in their work.
While understanding the overall perspective of a case is crucial, it is the personal details and specific language—along with adherence to the law—that make all the difference when filing a lawsuit. Virginia emphasizes how a well-prepared trial notebook goes beyond just being a collection of documents; it represents a strategic plan that highlights the strengths of the case while addressing its weaknesses. This attention to detail can significantly impact litigation outcomes.
Notably, Virginia has a personal connection to this course; when she took it as a student at Mercer Law, she achieved her first verdict while still in the class, starting her trial experience before she even graduated. This firsthand experience reflects her commitment to ensuring that her students are not only prepared theoretically but also equipped for real-world challenges.
Students are encouraged to look beyond Georgia’s state laws and to appreciate the significance of federal law and multi-jurisdictional practice. This perspective is particularly beneficial as many graduates will go on to practice in various states across the country.
Our founding partner, who has taught this class for years, integrates case studies that touch on various aspects of litigation in different jurisdictions. This approach not only equips students with the necessary legal research and writing skills but also highlights the diverse opportunities they have as future litigators. By understanding how legal principles can be shaped and adapted to meet the needs of their clients, students are empowered to become effective advocates on a national scale.
One of the most enriching aspects of the Advanced Litigation Drafting course is the mentorship provided by our founding partner. With a wealth of experience in the legal profession, Virginia wants to ensure young lawyers are exposed to a civil trial attorney dedicated to one-on-one case care, emphasizing attention to detail in both clients’ cases and the documents that make those cases valuable. This devotion to meticulousness not only enhances the learning experience but also instills in students the importance of caring deeply about their clients’ stories and outcomes.
Virginia’s commitment to providing creative and compassionate applications of the law helps students prepare themselves for a career as trial lawyers. She not only instructs but demonstrates the profound impact that thoughtful and innovative legal advocacy can have on clients’ lives. Students learn that being a trial lawyer is not just about knowing the law; it’s about applying it with compassion and creativity to effectively represent their clients.
Students receive constructive feedback on their work, allowing them to hone their skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Access to experienced practitioners serves to inspire students, demonstrating the real-world applications of what they learn in the classroom. This connection bridges the gap between academia and practice, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers after graduation.
The Advanced Litigation Drafting course at Mercer University School of Law serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring attorneys in Macon, Georgia, and beyond. Offered once a week each semester, this course emphasizes creativity, practical experience, and mentorship, helping students cultivate the skills they need to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
At Virginia Josey Law, we are proud to support the development of future legal professionals who will make impactful differences in their communities and the nation alike. By fostering innovative approaches to litigation drafting, emphasizing the importance of both overarching strategies and granular details, and focusing on the pivotal role of effective demands, we are confident that students will graduate and become masterful advocates. Equipped with the tools and insights necessary to tackle the challenges ahead in their legal careers, they will be ready to champion their clients with skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Through practical experience, personalized feedback, and the example set by Virginia Josey—who began her own successful trial career while still a student—these future lawyers will gain invaluable insights on how to blend strategy with personal details and how to effectively communicate their case’s worth. They will learn that attention to detail and the artful use of language are crucial not only in the courtroom but also in every client interaction, setting them on a path to become the effective trial lawyers of tomorrow.
At Virginia Josey Law, we are more than just legal representatives - we are advocates for justice and allies for those who need us most.
