Mock Trial Program
Program Overview
Law students interested in advancing their advocacy skills in a courtroom setting have the opportunity to make the KU Law Mock Trial Council and potentially represent KU at competitions around the nation.
Through classroom, courtroom and competition experience, students learn advanced evidence and trial techniques and participate in simulated trials. While moot court replicates the appellate setting, mock trial simulates real-life litigation at the trial-court level. Competitors represent a party, prepare a case for trial and then try the case to a judge and jury in a courtroom setting.
Students who excel in the Trial Advocacy [LAW 992] course will be invited to join the Mock Trial Council, as will the top performers in Mock Trial Open Try-outs held during the spring semester. All KU Law students are eligible to participate in the open try-out process. Information regarding try-outs is released and circulated to students during the spring semester.
Those selected to be on Council will have the opportunity to travel and compete in various national and international mock trial tournaments as representatives of KU Law. Students on Council can earn 1-3 credits depending on their participation.
The University of Kansas Mock Trial Team also offers a mock trial experience for undergraduate students of all majors. Law students on the Mock Trial Council often provide coaching assistance to the undergraduate mock trial participants. Many on the Council got their start in similar undergraduate programs.
Mock Trial Program Information
2024-2025 Mock Trial Council
- Lauren Bretz
- Lauren Taylor
- Brena Levy
- Alex Nelson
- Abbi Murphy
- Sam Crawford
- Logan Brtek
- Hailey Black
- Neelie Browne
- Easton Hunt
- Dylan Rule
- Kate Rues
- Yuvia Serna
- Chrissy Crowell
- Josh Hukill
- Jake Combs
- Adam Kropf
Members of the Mock Trial Counsel continue developing their advocacy skills while competing for KU Law in mock trial competitions.
Past competitions include:
- National Trial Advocacy Competition
- All Star Bracket Challenge Mock Trial Competition
- Puerto Rico Trial Advocacy Competition
- TYLA (Texas Young Lawyers Association) National Mock Trial Competition
- Queens County District Attorney’s Office Mock Trial Competition
- San Diego Defense Lawyers Assoc. Mock Trial Competition
Student Testimonial: Mock Trial solidified decision to pursue a career in litigation
Joan Lee, L'23
I was never involved in mock trial or debate club during my undergraduate years, and I recognized early on that I needed to grow myself in this area. Furthermore, I wanted to improve my public speaking skills and learn how to present a case in the courtroom. The Mock Trial Program is a fun and challenging opportunity to learn how to become effective advocates in a low stakes environment.
I am more confident speaking in front of crowds. I have learned how to approach issues in a creative manner and effectively communicate my client’s position to a judge/jury. In addition to that, I have also developed forecasting skills—thinking of all the possible scenarios and their future impacts—as I’ve brainstormed with my teammates on case strategy. I learned about proper courtroom etiquette. I have been able to improve upon making objections and providing responses using the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Participating in Mock Trial has solidified my decision to pursue a career in litigation. I am certain that the many valuable skills I have gained from this course will be transferred and utilized throughout my legal career.
Questions?
Adam Sokoloff
Attorney, Project for Innocence & Post-Conviction Remedies
Mock Trial Faculty Coach
asokoloff@ku.edu
785-864-5333