<p><img style="float: right;" src="{staticroot}files/resources/itap2015de600px.jpg" alt="ITAP Wherry Lecture" width="66%" />Successful trial lawyers need to be flexible, open-minded and ready to change their game plan if the flow of a trial&rsquo;s events warrants it, a seasoned prosecutor told law students looking to develop courtroom skills.</p>
<p>The remarks from Edward F. McCann Jr., first assistant district attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney&rsquo;s Office, came during the E. John Wherry Jr. Distinguished Lecture in Trial Advocacy and Professionalism. The lecture is a highlight of the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program, a boot camp-like summer experience known as ITAP. The 2015 class comprised about 80 law students who spent two weeks building skills trial lawyers call upon constantly in the courtroom, such as how to submit evidence, how to cross examine witnesses and how to deliver a powerful closing argument.</p>
<p>McCann, a 26-year prosecutor, said working as a prosecutor has allowed him to surround himself with people who are professionally like-minded, and who can make an impact. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s an opportunity just about every day to make a difference in someone&rsquo;s life,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>He explained to students that things happen during trials no one can anticipate and lawyers have to be prepared to keep moving forward, such as when a witness doesn&rsquo;t show up. &ldquo;ITAP should hide your witnesses and make you go find them,&rdquo; he joked, noting the program alumni are believers in its value.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Every Widener alum who comes to the Philadelphia DA&rsquo;s office talks about the ITAP program. They say &lsquo;I was a part of this,&rsquo;&rdquo; McCann said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been hearing about ITAP for 20 years.&rdquo;</p>