Spotlight on Trial Advocacy with Jamie Gau, L’18

Jamie Gau, L’18 brings a unique combination of technical expertise and a deep passion for teaching to RWU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program.

What distinguishes RWU Law’s Trial Advocacy Program?

According to Professor Gau, the Trial Advocacy Program doesn’t just teach students how to advocate—it immerses them fully in the practice. Students learn the procedural mechanics of litigation and how to connect those skills with persuasive, justice-oriented storytelling. It’s a mission-driven environment where experimentation, practice, and meaningful growth are more than encouraged—they’re expected.

What truly sets the program apart, she explains, is its strong mentorship culture. Students regularly engage in candid, constructive feedback loops, giving them the freedom to take risks, learn from mistakes, and try again. The goal is not merely to memorize courtroom techniques but to live them—to embody confident, authentic advocacy that reinforces the promise of fair legal representation.

What qualities do students cultivate in the program?

Gau emphasizes that the program fosters qualities that extend well beyond legal technique:

• Professional vulnerability: Students learn to embrace trial and error—even stumbling in front of peers—but also to acknowledge progress, saying, “I haven’t perfected this yet, but I’m going to keep trying.” That openness builds resilience and allows the human element of advocacy to shine alongside technical skill.
• Adaptability: Through repeated practice and thoughtful critique, students learn to pivot and grow in real time—a fundamental skill for any litigator facing an unpredictable courtroom.
• Confidence paired with humility: Students build the ability to stand firm and articulate their case in court while also remaining curious—asking questions, inviting feedback, and refining their approach in front of others. These qualities are essential not only for trial work but also for a sustainable legal career.

About this article

This story is adapted from an interview with Jamie Gau, L’18, originally published by Juris Education, an organization offering LSAT prep, admissions consulting, and resources for law students.

**Trial Advocacy is a core elective under the Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution track of the Juris Doctor degree.