The 2025 Mock Trial season is fast approaching, and we need your help to make it a success! Mock Trial is an incredible opportunity for students in Utah to engage with the legal system, develop essential skills, and be inspired by members of the legal community. With your support, we can continue to provide a transformative experience for these young minds.

Mock Trial allows students to learn about the law in a hands-on way, guided by expert volunteers who serve as judges and attorney coaches. This program wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of legal professionals like you.

Why Volunteer?

As a Mock Trial volunteer, you’ll help students understand the legal process, sharpen their analytical thinking, and improve their public speaking skills. Whether you serve as a judge or an attorney coach, your involvement will have a lasting impact on the students’ lives. You’ll be a positive role model and offer valuable insights from your experience in the legal field.

Judges

Mock trials require three judges per trial: a presiding judge and two panel judges. The presiding judge rules on objections, while all judges complete ballots and participate in the debriefing session at the end of each trial. Trials typically last around 2.5 hours, and volunteers are needed for both preliminary and elimination rounds.

No prior experience is necessary—first-time judges will have access to training materials and support. To participate in elimination rounds, volunteers must first serve as a judge in a preliminary round. This is a great way to get involved in a flexible role, as anyone 18 or older is eligible to volunteer.

Attorney Coaches

If you’re a practicing attorney, consider volunteering as an attorney coach. Attorney coaches work with a team to help students understand the legal aspects of the case, either virtually or in person. Coaches don’t write material for the students but instead guide them through the case and legal procedures. Your time commitment can vary based on your availability—you can meet with your team once or multiple times throughout the season.

Training and Resources

Judges will receive training videos and all necessary case and competition materials well before trial days. This will give you ample time to familiarize yourself with the process and prepare for your role. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to Mock Trial, you’ll have the resources you need to succeed.

Important Dates for 2025

Here are the key dates for the 2025 Mock Trial season. Please mark your calendars and plan to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled trial start time:

• Saturday, February 22nd: High School Preliminary Rounds 1 & 2 (9:30 am & 2:30 pm)
• Monday, February 24th: High School Make-Up Round (5:30 pm)
• Saturday, March 1st: High School Preliminary Rounds 3 & 4 (9:30 am & 2:30 pm)
• Tuesday, March 4th: High School Quarterfinals & Jr High Preliminary Round 1 (5:30 pm)
• Thursday, March 6th: High School Semi-Finals & Jr High Round 1 (5:30 pm)
• Friday, March 7th: Jr High Make-Up Round Option 1 (9:30 am)
• Monday, March 10th: High School Finals (5:30 pm)
• Friday, March 14th: Jr High Make-Up Round Option 2 (9:30 am)
• Saturday, March 15th: Jr High Preliminary Rounds 2 & 3 (9:30 am & 1:30 pm)
• Tuesday, March 18th: Jr High Round 4 (9:30 am, 1:00 pm & 5:30 pm)
• Thursday, March 20th: Jr High Quarterfinals (5:30 pm)
• Monday, March 24th: Jr High Semi-Finals (1:00 pm)
• Wednesday, March 26th: Jr High Finals (5:30 pm)

Earn MCLE Credit

Volunteering as a judge or attorney coach for Mock Trial can also help you earn up to 4 hours of general MCLE credit. The Utah State Bar allows lawyers and paralegal practitioners to earn credit through community outreach, including participating in mock trials. For more information and to apply for credit, visit MCLE Utah.

Ready to Volunteer?

If you’re ready to make a difference and get involved in the 2025 Mock Trial season, fill out the volunteer form.

For any questions or additional information, feel free to contact Melissa Orton, Utah State Mock Trial Coordinator, at melissamocktrialutah@gmail.com.

Together, we can inspire the next generation of legal minds and give them a hands-on experience they’ll never forget. Your time and expertise are invaluable—thank you for your support!