About the Classroom Experience
Trial Advocacy
"Mr. Gambini, that is a lucid, intelligent, well thought-out objection.
Vinny Bambini: Thank You.
Judge Haller: Overruled."
-My Cousin Vinny
Team
members enroll in a trial advocacy class in the fall, and participate in
competitions in the spring or the following school year. Classes
focus on the skills needed to succeed in competition and beyond. Class
participation is more than simply raising your hand! In Mock Trial, members learn by doing. They create their own direct and cross
examinations, opening statements and closing arguments, and get first-hand
advice from practicing attorneys.
Evidence
"I strenuously object?" Is that how it works? Hm? "Objection." "Overruled." "Oh, no, no, no. No, I STRENUOUSLY object." "Oh. Well, if you strenuously object then I should take some time to reconsider."
-A Few Good Men
Want to see the Rules of Evidence in action? Mock Trial provides the perfect opportunity. Students learn the basics of evidence and put their knowledge into practice. Learn when to object and how to do so persuasively. Understanding hearsay was never so much fun! You do not have to take Evidence before joining mock trial.
Why Join Mock Trial?
Develop your skills
"Why does a Lieutenant Junior Grade with nine months' experience and a track record for plea bargaining get assigned to a murder case? Would it be so it never sees the inside of a courtroom?"
-A Few Good Men
The skills you will acquire as a Mock Trial member simply cannot be replicated by book study alone. Become more confident and poised. Refine your public speaking skills. What you learn here translates far beyond the courtroom.
Enhance your Résumé
"Why does it seem like you're always trying to give me your resume?
Because I want you to think that I'm a good lawyer."
-A Few Good Men
Show your employers that your public speaking and oral communication skills are second to none! Mock trial is a great way to boost your résumé. If you are looking to give yourself a competitive edge without putting in some serious time, however, beware! Students in mock trial earn every bit of their excellent reputations.
Work with Experienced Students and Attorneys
"You win all your cases, but with somebody else's help, right? You win case after case, and then afterwards you have to go up to somebody and you have to say, 'thank you.'"
-My Cousin Vinny
Like many student organizations, Mock Trial provides a fantastic opportunity to learn from your peers, and enjoy a collaborative environment. An added bonus: all of our coaches are either still practicing law, or have recently turned to teaching after highly successful litigation careers. As a result, their advice is on point and up to date.
Earn Credit
This is law school, after all. Students receive 2 credits (pass/fail) for the Trial Advocacy course in the fall and 3 credits (pass/fail) during a semester in which they compete.
Fun!
Nobody enjoys law school more than students in mock trial. We work hard, and play harder.
