Mock Trials

Volunteering for mock trials is a rewarding way to give back to the legal profession while helping to shape the next generation of lawyers. By serving as counsel, witnesses, or jurors, attorneys provide students with a realistic courtroom experience and teach valuable lessons about professionalism, ethics, and advocacy. These programs not only benefit the participants but also strengthen the public’s understanding of the justice system. Volunteers often find the experience energizing and inspiring, as it offers a chance to mentor future attorneys, hone their own communication skills, and connect with colleagues who share a commitment to advancing the practice of law.

Volunteers Needed to Judge Pa. Statewide High School Mock Trial Competition

The Pennsylvania Statewide High School Mock Trial Competition – presented by the ACBA and the Pa. Bar Association – kicks off in Allegheny County on Tuesday, Jan. 20. ACBA members are asked to support these hard-working high school students by volunteering to be a scoring juror or a presiding judge for the competition. There are 36 local high school teams participating, and at least 24 volunteers are needed on each night of the competition. Volunteers do not need to be a litigation attorney to support this program, and prior experience as a scoring juror is not needed.

While volunteers are asked to commit to an entire evening, the enthusiasm and natural skill demonstrated by the high school students is extremely rewarding. Volunteers need to arrive at the City-County Building by 4:45 p.m. and should be prepared to judge two back-to-back trials, completed by approximately 9:00 p.m. The nights of the first round of the competition are as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 20
Thursday, Jan. 29
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Thursday, Feb. 12

Additional dates will be scheduled for playoffs, semifinals and finals. Volunteers can sign-up at this link. For additional information, contact Julie Brennan at jbrennan@pionlaw.com.

Additional Mock Trials

Name: Baldwin High School Mock Trial

Date/Time: During the school week from 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Location: Baldwin High School

Type of Mock Trial: High School Mock Trial

Type of Volunteers Needed: Attorney

Contact: Kate Deemer at kdeemer@bwschools.net.

More Info: The volunteer attorney will be assisting the Baldwin High School Mock Trial team primarily during the school day with occasional after school and weekend practice. The team needs assistance with trial law for a civil case.