2nd Annual

Justice Academy

Spring 2026

Your future as a prosecutor starts here!

Apply (Winter 2025)

Be part of a groundbreaking program—apply today and take your first step into the world of trial advocacy and criminal justice! 

Application Form with hand filling in data

Location, Lodging & FAQs

Make the most of your training experience—book your stay with our recommended hotels for comfort and convenience! 

Sheraton Grand Hotel entrance

Meet the Mentors

Connect with experienced deputy district attorneys who will guide you on your path to a successful prosecutorial legal career! 

Large group photo in front of Courthouse

Inaugural

Justice Academy

June 2-4, 2025
Your future as a prosecutor starts here!

Apply Today

Be part of a groundbreaking program—apply today and take your first step into the world of trial advocacy and criminal justice! 

Application Form with hand filling in data

Location, Lodging & FAQs

Make the most of your training experience—book your stay with our recommended hotels for comfort and convenience! 

Sheraton Grand Hotel entrance

Meet the Mentors

Connect with experienced Deputy District Attorneys who will guide you on your path to a successful prosecutorial legal career! 

Large group photo in front of Courthouse

The Event

Law Student at a desk

The Justice Academy is a three-day, intensive training program designed for first- and second-year law students interested in a career in prosecution. Participants will receive hands-on trial advocacy training, mentorship from experienced prosecutors, and the opportunity to practice their skills in small-group sessions. Each day concludes with live courtroom-style exercises evaluated by a panel of judges. Outstanding advocates will be recognized for their performance, with top participants eligible to receive monetary prizes and potential internship opportunities.

Why Apply?

Are you a first-year or second-year law student ready to launch your career in prosecution? Our Justice Academy is designed for law students looking to gain hands-on experience in prosecution. Work alongside seasoned district attorneys, step into the courtroom, and put your skills to the test in an interactive way that allows you to get customized feedback from some of the best prosecutors in the state.  The top performers in the academy will earn a monetary award, as well as a paid summer internship position within the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

If you are ready to take the next step in your legal career please fill out the application below.  Space is limited and applications for the Justice Academy will open Winter 2025.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-On Trial Training – Learn and practice Opening Statements, Closing Arguments, Direct Examination, and Cross-Examination in a structured environment. 

Mentorship from Prosecutors – Work closely with attorneys from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

Realistic Courtroom Experience – Perform in front of  legal professionals who will provide expert feedback. 

Competitive Edge for Your Legal CareerDevelop skills that will set you apart in interviews, internships, clerkships, and future trial work.  

Awards & Recognition – Compete for top honors, including Best in Category and Overall Best Advocate.

Why attend?

Hands-On Trial Training – Learn and practice Opening Statements, Closing Arguments, Direct Examination, and Cross-Examination in a structured environment. 

Mentorship from Prosecutors – Work closely with attorneys from the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office to sharpen your skills

Realistic Courtroom Experience – Perform in front of judges and legal professionals who will provide expert feedback. 

Competitive Edge for Your Legal CareerDevelop skills that will set you apart in interviews, internships, clerkships, and future trial work.  

Awards & Recognition – Compete for top honors, including Best in Category and Overall Best Advocate.

Why Apply?

Are you a first-year or second-year law student ready to launch your career in prosecution? Our Justice Academy is designed for law students looking to gain hands-on experience in prosecution. Work alongside seasoned district attorneys, step into the courtroom, and put your skills to the test in an interactive way that allows you to get customized feedback from some of the best prosecutors in the state.  The top performers in the academy will earn a monetary award, as well as a paid summer internship position within the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.

If you are ready to take the next step in your legal career please fill out the application below.  Space is limited and applications for the Justice Academy will open Winter 2025.

Event Location & Lodging

Event Location

Sacramento District Attorney’s Office

901 G St, Sacramento

Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse

720 9th St, Sacramento

Common Questions

The Justice Academy is a free three-day workshop style training for future prosecutors! 

Participants will first attend an instructional session each morning of the Academy. Each learning module  will focus on a different area of the criminal law legal practice, including: Opening Statements, Closing Arguments, Direct Examination, and Cross Examination.  Then participants will practice their skills in small breakout groups with mentors from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.  In the afternoon, participants will participate in a performance exercise in front of some of the top prosecutors in the state.  Prizes will be awarded for the top participant in each category and for an overall best advocate.   

 

The Justice Academy is designed for the future prosecutor.  The instructional sessions and feedback from mentors focus on developing prosecutorial skills.  While the Justice Academy is designed primarily for participants who have completed their 1L year of law school, the Academy will accept applications from prospective participants who are in any year of law school, with priority given to first-year students.   

 

Applications will open up Winter 2025

Acceptance letters will be sent to the email provided Spring 2026.

Event Location & Lodging

Event Location

Sacramento District Attorney’s Office
901 G St, Sacramento

Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse
720 9th St, Sacramento

Local Accommodations

Common Questions

The Justice Academy is a free three-day, workshop style training for future prosecutors! 

Participants will first attend an instructional session each morning of the Academy. Each learning module  will focus on a different area of the criminal law legal practice, including: Opening Statements, Closing Arguments, Direct Examination, and Cross Examination.  Then participants will practice their skills in small breakout groups with mentors from the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office.  In the afternoon, participants will participate in a performance exercise in front of some of the top prosecutors in the state.  Prizes will be awarded for the top participant in each category and for an overall best advocate.   

 

The Justice Academy is designed for the future prosecutor.  The instructional sessions and feedback from mentors focus on developing prosecutorial skills.  While the Justice Academy is designed primarily for participants who have completed their 1L year of law school, the Academy will accept applications from prospective participants who are in any year of law school, with priority given to first year students.   

 

Acceptance letters will be emailed out to the email provided by May 1st, 2025.

Meet the Mentors

Gain firsthand insight and guidance from experienced prosecutors from the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office, who will provide personalized feedback, share real-world trial strategies, and help shape the next generation of advocates.

Sacramento County District Attorney, Thien Ho

Sacramento County District Attorney,

Thien Ho

Chief Deputy District Attorney, Scott Triplett

Chief Deputy District Attorney,

Scott Triplett

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Bret Wasley

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney,

Bret Wasley

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Chris Ore

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney,

Chris Ore

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Dawn Bladet

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney,

Dawn Bladet

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Michael Blazina

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney,

Michael Blazina

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Rochelle Beardsley

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney,

Rochelle Beardsley

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Tan Thinh

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney,

Tan Thinh

William Satchell

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, William Satchell

Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney,

William Satchell

Supervising Deputy District Attorney, Catrina Ranum

Supervising Deputy District Attorney,

Catrina Ranum

Supervising Deputy District Attorney, Kari Merten

Supervising Deputy District Attorney,

Kari Merten

Supervising Deputy District Attorney, Leland Washington 

Supervising Deputy District Attorney,

Leland Washington 

Principal Criminal Attorney, TeriAnn Grimes

Principal Criminal Attorney,

TeriAnn Grimes

Principal Criminal Attorney, Omar Singh

Principal Criminal Attorney,

Omar Singh

Deputy District Attorney, Paige Arseneaux

Deputy District Attorney,

Paige Arseneaux

Learn more about the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office

Where excellence meets justice—click to explore career opportunities, case highlights, and more!

Where excellence meet justice—click to explore career opportunities, case highlights, and more!