Rachel Brockl

Rachel Brockl serves as a Visiting Professor of Law and Director of the Litigation Center at Golden Gate University School of Law, bringing extensive practical trial experience from six years as a Deputy District Attorney where she conducted over 30 jury trials in DUI, child molestation, theft, and related cases while leading the Juvenile Unit and DUI Unit.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD), Golden Gate University School of Law
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, San Francisco State University

Her research focuses on criminal litigation strategy and courtroom advocacy, with specialization in DUI prosecution, jury persuasion techniques, and evidence presentation. Brockl's scholarship examines practical trial skills including expert witness management, overcoming damaging evidence, and strategic use of tempo in cross-examination. Her work bridges prosecutorial experience with academic instruction, emphasizing real-world application in trial settings.

Recent publications in NITA's Collective Wisdom series demonstrate consistent thematic development across jury engagement, evidence handling, and narrative construction in trials, reflecting deep integration of her courtroom experience into pedagogical frameworks for litigation training.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Top 40 Young Lawyer on the Rise (2022) by the American Bar Association
• Trial Attorney of the Year (2018) by the Napa District Attorney's Office
• Young Lawyer of the Year (2018) by the Napa County Bar Association
• Outstanding DUI Prosecutor (2019) by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Brockl actively mentors through the Puente Mentorship Program for underrepresented students and coaches the Napa High School Mock Trial team, while directing GGU's 1st STEP Summer Honors Litigation Program. Her community engagement includes founding the California Animal Law Symposium and pioneering courtroom accommodations like support dogs for child victims. She directs the Litigation Center where students gain hands-on trial experience through evidence courses, mock trials, and motion advocacy training.