A few months ago, I told you that we were seeking candidates for a new endeavor called NITA Next Generation Faculty. Well, the three-member Next Generation Faculty (NGF) Class of 2012 has been chosen by the selection committee. I am pleased to announce this year’s outstanding class of young up-and-coming NITA faculty members:
1. Sarah K. Rathke of Squire Saunders, LLC in Cleveland, OH was nominated by longtime NITA Faculty Member Hon. Thomas French of Colorado. Sarah attended the DC Advanced Program, where Tom taught. Sarah has 10 years of experience in trial law, including six jury trials and five bench trials/arbitrations. Sarah teaches trial advocacy at Marshall School of Law.
“I am very excited to be part of the NITA family. It’s an organization I have always admired, and whose training I have benefited from, and I look forward to the opportunity to give back.” – Sarah Rathke
2. Dina M. Cox of Lewis Wagner, LLP in Indianapolis, IN was nominated independently by two long-time NITA Program Directors Tom Singer and Hon. Nancy Vaidik. Dina has an active professional liability and product liability civil trial practice, but finds time to teach at both Mid-Central Regional Trial Program and the Mid-Central Deposition Program.
“I am looking forward to meeting more excellent, skilled, and dynamic NITA faculty members across the country; and, I trust that my interaction with them will leave me personally and professionally enriched. I’m also excited to sharpen my teaching and trial advocacy skills by broadening my work with NITA.” – Dina Cox
3. Hayes A. Hunt of Cozen O’Connor, P.C.’s Philadelphia, PA office was nominated by Louis Natali, a long-time NITA faculty member and program director. After four years at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Hayes continues his criminal defense practice with Cozens and serves as the firm’s chair of training and pro bono initiatives. Hayes has taught at the Mid-Atlantic program and other NITA programs.
“I am truly humbled to be selected considering NITA’s long-standing history of having the best lawyers throughout the world teach trial advocacy. In my experience as both a participant and faculty member of numerous NITA programs, I leave a better advocate every time. I am fortunate to be part of the NITA tradition.” — Hayes Hunt
As members of the NGF Class of 2012, Sarah, Dina, and Hayes will be trained and invited to teach at geographically diverse NITA trial and deposition programs between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. Each will gain teaching experience as they spend more time with the NITA learning-by-doing philosophy. Welcome to all three.
NITA’s team of practicing lawyers, professors and judges from around the nation dedicates its efforts to the training and development of skilled and ethical legal advocates to improve the adversarial justice system. 
