Brooke Boyer '26
Staff Editor
On September 5, UVA Law’s Mock Trial Association kicked off the year with a general interest meeting for prospective new members in Slaughter 292. Students learned about what Mock Trial is, its numerous benefits, and what to expect as a member, while eating Chick-fil-A nuggets to their heart’s content. If you didn’t make it to the meeting but are nonetheless curious about Mock Trial, no worries! Read on to learn more about what the organization looks like at UVA Law.
Vice President of Membership Malia Takei ’25 began the meeting by diving into an explanation of what being a member of the Mock Trial Association at UVA Law entails. She described it as an opportunity to “play lawyer” in fake trials prior to actually becoming one. Members build cases in a team consisting of four advocates, establish the facts of the case, file necessary pre-trial motions, make opening statements, and make legal arguments and present them before a “judge.” They also object, and utilize admissible experts, witnesses, and exhibits to back up those arguments. Finally, members conclude their arguments with a closing statement. The trials, which follow the rules of evidence and case law, closely emulate the real thing.
If you’re a confused 1L like me and unsure of the distinction between Mock Trial and Moot Court, don’t fret. Malia made sure to clarify the key differences between the two. While Moot Court takes place at the appellate level in front of a panel of judges, Mock Trial takes place at the trial level with an audience of a single judge and jury. Another important difference is that Moot Court is best described as competitive legal research and writing which includes solely disputes of law, while Mock Trial is essentially competitive story-telling that includes disputes of both fact and law. Finally, Moot Court is most often concerned with civil procedure and constitutional law, while Mock Trial involves the fields of evidence, tort, and criminal law.
Next, Malia combated the widespread myth that Mock Trial is solely for those interested in pursuing litigation. The organization is undoubtedly helpful for those who aspire towards careers primarily in the courtroom because of the hands-on, practical trial experience it provides. However, law students of all interests will reap the benefits that Mock Trial has to offer. It teaches trial advocacy, allows members to hone their public speaking skills and overcome the intimidation of speaking in front of an audience, and strengthens the skill of persuasive story-telling. It provides invaluable experience for students wanting to enter either the public or private sector.
Mock Trial is also a wonderful way to make new friends! Since members must work together in teams to build and support arguments in trial, teammates are able to bond throughout the process. Aside from meetings and competitions, mixers and other social events are hosted as a way for members to get to know one another outside of the courtroom and in a more personable setting.
New members do not have to worry about not having gained experience in mock trial at their high schools or undergraduate universities. In fact, absolutely no experience is required before becoming a member of the Mock Trial Association. The four mandatory bootcamp sessions led by Army JAG school coaches are designed to teach members everything they need to know before the Skills Showcase, including pretrial and courtroom etiquette on September 13, statements on September 18, direct and cross examinations on September 27, and evidence on October 4. The JAG coaches, who are themselves law students, guide new members through each step and answer questions along the way.
After completing each of the four bootcamp sessions, new members will be able to show off their newly gained knowledge at a Skills Showcase on October 13 and 14. It serves as an opportunity to solidify the skills learned at bootcamp and proudly put them into practice. The Mock Trial Association also competes in a myriad of tournaments each year. The Cavalier Classic Intramural Tournament takes place at UVA Law and is open to all members. However, additional extramural tournaments are available for 2Ls, 3Ls, and other members who have fully completed the Skills Showcase. In the past, members have traveled to tournaments in Washington D.C., New York City, Houston, and Puerto Rico.
Although Mock Trial is a central activity for many students at the Law School, President Anthony Truisi ’25 emphasized that members can make it as much or as little of a time commitment as is needed amid busy class schedules, involvement in other organizations, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The organization is meant to be low pressure and not intended to add undue stress to already-full agendas. Participation in extra tournaments is therefore not required (but if you have the time, it’s a great experience!).
That covers it! The registration deadline for Mock Trial unfortunately passed on September 11. However, if you have further questions about becoming involved in the future, reach out to Malia at nfm4de@virginia.edu or Anthony at fmh6ns@virginia.edu.
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ews6tm@virginia.edu