The annual ADLA Bibb Allen Memorial Trial Academy is an outstanding event for learning and developing trial skills. It allows young attorneys the opportunity to "learn by doing" trial exercises in front of an excellent faculty consisting of experienced defense lawyers and trial judges. The students are provided a set of materials and are asked to develop an opening statement, closing argument, direct examinations, and cross-examinations. During the two days of the Academy, there are lectures on almost every aspect of a trial. Most importantly, at various times throughout the Academy, the students are divided into small groups consisting of faculty and students, where they perform the exercises and are critiqued by the faculty members. With real life courtroom opportunities becoming fewer and farther between, the Trial Academy offers young lawyers the chance to gain much needed experience.  The Academy is held in late July/early August of each year.