Applying to the Institute
Applications are accepted in January of each year and interviews are held in February; every applicant is interviewed for the program. Decisions are made based on applications, resumes, statements of purpose, writing samples, personal interviews, and interest and aptitude for litigation. Approximately four times as many students apply for the thirty-two (32) positions available each year. Students must be in good academic standing to apply to the Institute. Students must also complete at least 24 credits before beginning the program. Priority is placed on scheduling classes in the evening; however, there is no guarantee when classes will be taught so students must be available to take day or night classes as they are scheduled.
- 2008 Application (PDF)
Scholarship Opportunities
The Bernard J. Fieger Scholarship is available to the most promising student in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute entering class, and the Walter E. Oberer Scholarship is available to the continuing student who has exhibited the most stellar trial advocacy skills. Each of these scholarships covers up to 29 credits of tuition. Full time students must use the scholarship in the subsequent academic year; part-time students must use the scholarship within the following two academic years.
Computer Requirements
Students are required to have a Windows based laptop for the Courtroom Technology and Electronic Evidence Lab as well as the substantive classes in trial advocacy.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 2.33Ghz (or better)
Windows XP or Vista
2GB System RAM
256MB Display Graphics RAM
1280 x 1024 Display Resolution at 32 bit Color Palette
8x DVD Recordable Drive
Sound Card and Speakers/Headphones
(required for audio/video functions)
Minimum System Requirements:
Pentium™ 4 2.4Ghz Processor (or better)
Windows™ XP Professional
1GB RAM
128MB AGP Video Adapter
SVGA Monitor (1280 x 1024) at 24-bit Color (True color)
Sound Card and Speakers (Required for audio/video functions)
CD-ROM Drive
Course Restrictions
There is no restriction on the number of certificate and/or concentration programs you may pursue, however, each student must meet the individual requirements for each program.
Additionally, many Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute students are active in Law Review, Moot Court, and the MSU Law Clinical Programs. Obviously each student needs to assume the requisite time and commitments for each activity. Otherwise, there are no limitations or restrictions on participating in more than one program.