Each year, first-year law students at Drake Law School step out of the classroom and into the courtroom through the First-Year Trial Practicum (FYTP) at the Drake Legal Clinic. This unique program immerses students in a real-life trial, allowing them to observe the legal process from voir dire to final conviction. Classes pause for the week, giving students an invaluable opportunity to witness the law in action.
Founded in 1998 by Russell Lovell, former Associate Dean and Professor of Law at Drake Law School, the FYTP continues to serve as a cornerstone of experiential learning at Drake. Now under the leadership of Professor Steve Foritano, the program remains dedicated to providing first-year students with an authentic look into trial practice.
This year’s trial exposed students to serious and impactful real-world issues, with a case centered on domestic abuse-assault. The prosecution was led by Caleb Copley, assisted by Polk County Attorney’s office intern and current 3L student Monica Pietig. On the defense side, Adam Brewster, JD’19, represented the accused.
First-year students Colin Payton and Cierra Jackson reflected on their experience.
“We don’t get many opportunities as first-year students to see a trial like this… seeing it in person is really cool,” said Jackson.
“Coming here today is an amazing experience to see that real stakes are involved. The things lawyers do in practice affect people in their everyday lives,” Payton added.
For the legal professionals involved, the experience was just as meaningful. The prosecutor, Caleb Copley, emphasized the importance of giving back to the next generation of attorneys: “For me personally, as someone who got a lot of breaks as an intern and worked with licensed attorneys, this is my way to give back and shape the next generation of attorneys and hopefully get people into this line of work.”
The students had an opportunity to have lunch with the presiding judge for the trial, Judge Scott Beattie, JD’92. “It was great having lunch with the 1Ls and getting to see where they’re at, remembering where I was when I was in their position, and sharing my journey with them,” said Judge Beattie.
Defense attorney Adam Brewster, JD’19, reflected on his time as a student attorney in the Clinic. “My experience at the Clinic was probably my favorite thing about my time at Drake. Classrooms are great, but the Clinic was by far and away my best experience. Having that real-world practice of being in court with a supervising attorney was the most valuable piece of anything I did here at Drake.”
The First-Year Trial Practicum remains a defining moment in the education of Drake Law students, offering them an early glimpse into the practical realities of the legal profession and the profound impact attorneys have on individuals and society.