Tryouts

“I Want to Try Out! What’s Next?”

So, you want to join mock trial, do you? Well, we are excited to have you! First, there are a few things that we would like to share with you about tryouts, including what to expect, and what to do before the big day. In order to make it straightforward, we will even show you the order that you should do these things in! So, strap in, grab a legal pad, and follow along!

Step #1

Fill out an interest form to get on our mailing list

We send out important updates about tryouts and relevant information to those on our mailing list. Fill out our interest form here!

Attend a General Interest Meeting

The first thing that you will need to do is attend a General Interest Meeting. At this meeting, we will go over the basics of what to expect from mock trial, including the different roles, and what a typical year will look like. In addition, we will go into the specifics of the tryout process and answer any questions that you might have. The GIM this year will be on September 7th in the Welles-Brown room, scheduled from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm.

Step #2

Attend a Moffice Session

During the week leading up to tryouts, our Executive Board will be assisting those trying out with their materials! This is an extremely helpful way for people who are unfamiliar with the mock trial format to learn more before they present their tryout materials in front of a panel of student judges.

Step #3

Finalize Your Materials

Once you have gone and received help at the Mock Trial 101 Section, you will need to make sure that your materials are ready for tryouts. It helps to run your materials by friends or roommates in order to get a feel for presenting them in front of an audience.

Step #4

“Roch” the Tryouts!

After all of the practice that you put into perfecting your materials, you will finally get the chance to put it to use! This year, the tryouts will be held from September 12th-September 13th, and you will sign up for a time during one of those days. Tryouts will be approximately 15 minutes long. Once you finish your amazing tryout, you will hear back from the organization about the next steps in the following days.

So What Exactly Should I Prepare for Tryouts?

Well, depending on what you want to tryout for, you will have to do one of a few things.

Here is the link to the tryouts packet for 2026-2027!

Witnesses will have to be familiar with their assigned affidavit and respond to a 4-minute cross-examination during their tryout. To be successful, a witness trying out should have a captivating character and be thoughtful when responding to the questions during their cross-examination. 

If you are trying out for both roles, then you will need to prepare a 4-minute cross-examination to give as an attorney. You will also need to prepare to respond to a 4-minute cross-examination as the witness. Finally, You’d give a 2-minute speech on something that you love. 

Everyone who tries out will also have to give a short 2-minute speech about something they love. The only request is that you don’t read from a script. You can memorize it beforehand or do improv; have fun with it!