Last Thursday and Friday for the first time in ILS history, students in Mock Trial competed in the annual Mock Trial Private/Charter School competition. Even though they qualified for 7th place, the students still felt they worked hard and gave it there all.
As a freshman, here is my experience. But, before I share it, what exactly is mock trial? For those who don’t know……
Mock trial is a competition in which highs school students present a pre-made court case and compete against other schools. Students present the evidence and act as real lawyers, witnesses, and defendants. The competition is scored on how well you executed your side.
The day started off early. We got to school and then got on the long bus ride to the FIU School of Law. Once we got to the school ,we checked in, got our case packet and went to the auditorium. Before we competed, we got a few words of advice from the Intern Dean of FIU Law School.
“ Good luck to everyone. Remember your preparation and speak the truth,” he said.
After hearing those words, and knowing we are giving it our all, we went onto our first round as the plaintive.It started with the judge calling order. Then both sides gave opening statements, cross, and direct examination for both sides, using evidence and objections like a real court case. Then, came closing statements. I was nervous to give them because of the little time we had to practice, but with a little prayer, I calmed down and did my best. Then the judges gave us our critiques on what we should do. After the first round, we looked back at where we could have prepared more for and what we did well.
We had lunch after the first round where we took a break from the long trial and regrouped. They changed the rules after our first round so it was limited to three attorneys. A little nervous, we went onto our second round. It was the same procedures: opening, emanations, closing. We did our best and even with little time gave it our all and did great overall. Now with this first day behind us, we knew what to practice and what to add.
The second day we came extra prepared. We brought extra copies of all the evidence, and knew we would give it our all this last day. We had a bid so we didn’t have to compete the first round. In this time we practiced, and connected with our group. I haven’t talked to any of the people in this group before these days and it was nice making new friends in a competition like mock trial. After this free time, as well as lunch, we felt really prepared for this last round.
With our extra preparation, we went to our last round with more confidence. We did really well; our witnesses did amazing. Having learnt from our last two trials, we had gained more confidence.
Mock Trial 2026 was a great experience, we learnt so much, we overcame challenges, grew, and worked together as a team. I feel like all of our time and dedication paid off at the end. Mock Trial 2026 was a great experience, and I look forward to next year.
“I am so proud of my students who worked incredibly hard since October. Despite this being their first time competing and facing a tremendous amount of adversity, such a rule change after Round 1, the Mock Trial Team gathered as a team to change their entire strategy for their second round on Thursday. By Friday, ILS’ budding attorneys appeared as seasoned litigators when they approached the final round. The Mock Trial Team finished in the top half – which is no easy feat for a first year team – and competed with integrity, ethics, and a true eagerness to improve. As both an instructor and attorney myself, it was an honor to witness such poise under pressure which rivals what young attorneys produce in the courtroom. I am excited for next year!” Ms. Stephanie Leibert, Mock Trial teacher/moderator.
