Inside Leesfield & Partners’ Latest “Courtroom” Session: Training the Next Generation of Trial Lawyers
As COVID-era remote hearings and Zoom proceedings reshaped the legal landscape, many early-career attorneys have had fewer opportunities to develop the in-person advocacy skills that define effective courtroom practice. In South Florida, Leesfield & Partners is working to address that gap through Courtroom, a 10-month free trial advocacy series designed to connect the next generation of attorneys with some of the state’s most experienced legal minds.
At its most recent session, marking the fourth installment of the series, the program brought together law students, early-career attorneys, and professionals transitioning into litigation for an evening of hands-on learning, mentorship, and open dialogue. To date, the series has welcomed nearly 160 participants into the firm’s Miami office, with consistent engagement and growing interest across sessions.
The latest session featured Judge Milton Hirsch, Retired Judge Ellen Leesfield, and trial attorney Ira H. Leesfield, who shared real-world insights drawn from decades of courtroom experience. Through candid discussion and presentations, attendees were given a rare opportunity to engage directly with both members of the judiciary and seasoned litigators, gaining practical perspective on trial strategy, courtroom communication, and professional judgment.
“We have developed this series to share the experience and technique of some of the state’s greatest legal minds,” said Ira H. Leesfield, Founder and Managing Partner of Leesfield & Partners. “This is a hands-on learning series meant to foster future trial lawyers and teach essential skills, courtroom confidence, and ethical excellence from seasoned trial lawyers and judges.”
The series is supported by the Leesfield Family Foundation, reflecting a broader commitment to mentorship, professional development, and community impact. These efforts align with the foundation’s mission to support emerging attorneys and expand access to meaningful training opportunities, an initiative that will continue to grow and expand with the anticipated development of the Leesfield Law Center in the coming years.
The timing of the most recent session also coincided with Women’s History Month, with the program continuing to attract a strong and growing number of female participants. Across sessions, a majority of attendees have been women, highlighting a broader shift in the legal profession and the importance of creating spaces where the next generation of attorneys can build confidence and community.
Each session has welcomed law students, early-career attorneys, and attorneys changing careers into the Leesfield & Partners office to hear directly from justices and seasoned trial lawyers, with time built in for open Q&A and networking. The program emphasizes not only legal knowledge, but the practical skills and confidence required to succeed in a courtroom setting.
For many participants, the impact is immediate.
“Thank you for creating the Courtroom Series,” added Ana Zack, who has attended multiple sessions. “Your passion to share your knowledge and encourage the next generation of trial lawyers is admirable and much appreciated.”
The program’s continued growth and strong repeat attendance reflect a clear demand for practical, mentorship-driven training that complements traditional legal education. By bringing together experienced practitioners and emerging attorneys in a collaborative setting, Courtroom is helping bridge the gap between legal theory and courtroom practice.
While the series is rooted in South Florida, its reach extends beyond the region. Recordings of each session are made available through the firm’s YouTube channel, allowing a broader audience to engage with the material. Attendees of the live sessions also earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, reinforcing the program’s value as both a learning and professional development opportunity.
As Leesfield & Partners marks its 50th anniversary, initiatives like Courtroom reflect a broader commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the community: one centered on mentorship, access, and the continued development of the legal profession and South Florida as a whole. The next installment, Courtroom Session V, is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Key West, as the series continues to expand its reach and impact within the Florida legal community.