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AN ALL EXPENSE PAID NATIONAL TRIAL SKILLS ACADEMY
JULY 25-27, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
THIS IS NOT A MOCK TRIAL.

Built Different is back for its second year, offering an intensive training experience for elite 2Ls, 3Ls, and early-career attorneys (1st–3rd year). Led by renowned trial attorney John Uustal and a team of top trial attorneys, this program provides hands-on instruction in voir dire, as well as proven strategies for delivering powerful opening statement and closing argument.

Learn directly from expert attorneys as they share battle-tested techniques, courtroom strategies, and the secrets behind securing massive victories.

Built Different 2024

Last year, the Built Different: Trial Skills Academy was an incredible success. We handpicked exceptional participants who received personalized guidance and direct feedback from John Uustal and his team of accomplished trial attorneys.

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2025 Agenda
July 25th

Friday

Afternoon arrival at your hotel

Dinner & Discussion: The Real Life of a Trial Attorney

July 26th

Saturday

Voir Dire for Giant Verdicts: Training and Practice with Real Jurors

Opening Statement

Cocktail party on a private Yacht on South Florida Waterway

Dinner & Discussion: Trying the Case in the Courtroom

July 27th

Sunday

Closing Argument

Your competition is already applying.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity. Claim your spot today.

Hear From Those Who Are Built Different

Inside Built Different – Hear Their Stories

Robert Austrian

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Carla Rosello

There is no substitute for this training. The material that I learned here are things that never even occurred to me, that very few other lawyers are doing, that are completely amazing and beyond what most trial attorneys are equipped to do.

There was so much knowledge in the room that you could feel that power and that energy. It’s been such a great opportunity to be here, one that I’m always going to be grateful for.

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Michelle Stein

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Mark Fuchs

All of the lawyers here are top of their game. I’m really excited to put everything I learned into practice for the clients that really deserve it.

This has been an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best trial lawyers in the country. We got to practice skills that I’ve never had an opportunity to work on in the courtroom. Getting to do that multiple times and then getting live feedback in such a small group setting was absolutely incredible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This isn’t just another workshop where you sit in the back row while others lecture. The Built Different: Trial Skills Academy is a fully immersive, hands-on experience. You’ll step into the courtroom to practice in front of real jurors and expert evaluators. With one-on-one mentorship from acclaimed attorneys, you’ll sharpen your skills in voir dire, opening statement, and closing argument while mastering the essential techniques to become an elite trial lawyer.

We invite all driven 2Ls, 3Ls, and early-career (1-3 years) attorneys determined to become elite trial lawyers to apply to the Built Different: Trial Skills Academy.

The 2025 Built Different: Trial Skills Academy runs from July 25-27 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You’ll train in our courtroom with the nation’s top attorneys, connect with them at an exclusive dinner, and cap off your experience with a yacht adventure on the South Florida coast.

You’ll receive an intense, hands-on experience designed to sharpen your trial skills. Learn to master voir dire, deliver a compelling opening statement and closing argument, develop winning courtroom strategies, and much more.

Who are the instructors?
You’ll be mentored by some of the nation’s top plaintiff attorneys, each with years of experience handling complex cases, including catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, commercial litigation, class action, tobacco litigation, and more. These attorneys aren’t intimidated by tough cases or the world’s best defense attorneys – in fact, they’ve taken them on and won.

Renowned trial attorney John Uustal founded Built Different: Trial Skills Academy to fill a gap in the legal world—where skilled attorneys saw “unwinnable” cases, he saw opportunity. This program trains lawyers whose drive and heart outweigh their resume, equipping them to take on the toughest cases. With elite trial attorneys as mentors, you’ll leave the academy ready to own the courtroom. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from those who know best. They were Built Different (link to video testimonials page from last year’s attendees).

Still Have Questions?

If you can’t find an answer to your question in the FAQ’s above, you can always contact us and we’ll respond asap.

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