FAQ
DO I NEED MOCK TRIAL EXPERIENCE TO JOIN?
No! In fact, many of our most dedicated members had no experience prior to joining the team. We encourage everyone to join, regardless of prior involvement in mock trial or other similar competitions.
CAN I JOIN FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER?
Unfortunately, we only offer tryouts during the fall semester so that new attorneys and witnesses have time to learn before our competitive season. However, if you missed the tryout date, definitely sign up for next year!
HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRACTICE?
Because we are a competitive team, our practice schedule is more than the typical student organization. We have at least two practices a week that are around two hours long. In addition, our team spends quite a bit of time outside of practice making and revising materials, practicing in front of others, and feeling comfortable with the case.
CAN I BE BOTH A WITNESS AND ATTORNEY?
Absolutely! In fact, many of the best mock trial members feel comfortable navigating both sides. Quite a few of our members are attorneys for one semester and switch to witness for the next. In fact, we often have people that double as a witness and attorney during the same semester!
DOES MOCK TRIAL COST MONEY?
Yes, it does cost a small amount of money to be a part of the team, but it is quite affordable! In addition, if a student has trouble paying the fee, we would absolutely still allow them to compete. Money should never be a reason preventing someone from participating in Mock Trial.
DOES MOCK TRIAL HAVE A COACH?
Our team is student led, which means that we do not have a single coach calling all of the shots. Instead, team member captains lead practices on a weekly basis. In addition, we have an executive board comprised fully of students. We have found that this style of leadership is extremely effective because it allows the team full control over its decisions–not a coach.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE TEAM COMPETE?
The season is divided into two parts (stacked and unstacked), and your team members will be different for both. While you are on each team, you will go to at least one or two competitions. However, that number could be a bit more depending on how far your team advances in the AMTA competition circuit!
CAN I JOIN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TOO?
Absolutely! In fact, our members are involved in many, many other organizations, each with a very diverse set of goals and activities. Although Mock Trial might be a bit busier than other organizations, there is still plenty of time to balance academics, Mock Trial, and time in other organizations, too!
CAN I JOIN EVEN IF NOT INTERESTED IN LAW?
Yes, you can! Mock Trial is a popular place for drama students, STEM students, and anyone that just wants to have a good time. In fact, we encourage joining to try new things, meet cool people, and learn a thing or two along the way.
WHERE CAN I SEND MY OTHER QUESTIONS?
We have social media links inserted at the bottom of the page! Feel free to send a message to any of those accounts, and also reach us through our email: ur_mocktrial@u.rochester.edu