Mock Trial Program

The Mock Trial program at BU Law is a student-coached trial advocacy program. Students are taught how to write and conduct direct examinations, cross examinations, opening statements, closing arguments, and motions in limine as well given an introduction to the federal rules of evidence and federal rules of civil procedure. Students use their skills to prepare and conduct fictional cases before actual practicing judges and attorneys. For questions about competing or otherwise getting involved, please email bulawmocktrial@gmail.com.

Joining Mock Trial

Come find us at the Student Org Fair on September 8 or join us for our first open meeting of the fall on Wednesday, September 20 from 5-7pm in the Schell-O’Connor Courtroom on the 6th Floor!

Competition Teams

BU law typically fields two to three competition teams in a semester. To become a competing member of the team, students are required to try out in September by presenting a short persuasive argument to the executive board. All students pursuing a JD are permitted to try out, including 1Ls – something that makes the BU mock trial program unique. Once on a competing team, students will meet regularly to learn necessary trial advocacy skills as well as prepare their cases for trial. The cases are based on fictional fact patterns, and there is usually one criminal and one civil fact pattern each semester. In the past, the BU Law mock trial competition teams have competed at the ABA Labor & Employment competition, the Queens County DA’s Office competition, the Texas Young Lawyers Association competition, and the American Association for Justice competition. At these competitions, students compete against other law schools and are judged by real attorneys and judges who provide meaningful feedback at the conclusion of rounds.

Intramural Tournament

The Mock Trial program typically hosts an intramural tournament that is open to all Boston University School of Law students each spring. The intramural tournament offers a low-pressure introduction to trial advocacy, evidence, and the rules of procedure. Students are placed onto teams and typically have a few weeks to prepare fictional cases based on modified competition fact patterns. The tournament gives students the opportunity to apply their new-found skills competing against one another in front of real attorneys and judges. The intramural tournament can also serve as an introduction to what mock trial is like for those who wish to try out for a competing team the following year.

2023–2024 Mock Trial Executive Board

President: Austin Fendler
Vice Presidents of Training: Cameron Campbell and Samuel Buckmelter
Vice President of Recruitment: Isabel Celio and Katerina Zukis
Vice President of Administration: Lyric Menges