Information about the

Mock Trial Competition

Education of students is the primary goal of the Georgia Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the Younger Lawyer’s Division of the State Bar of Georgia.  By providing students with an operational understanding of the law and legal issues, the benefits of the mock trial program extend beyond the rewards of the competition.  While obtaining this knowledge, students develop useful questioning, critical thinking, and oral advocacy skills, as well as, significant insight into the area of law in question.  Preparation for the season begins in December when the case is received.  Students try out for the twelve member slot on the team by demonstrating their speaking and critical thinking skills to the teacher coaches in a mock simulation.  Kathy Vail,  Julie Benvenuto and Carol Whitlow serve as the teacher coaches for this prestigious and award winning program.  They are assisted by the  by local attorneys and judges who devote their valuable time to prepare the students for this difficult and highly competitive event.  The season lasts from November to March and culminates in the regional competition held in Canton and the state competition held in Lawrenceville.  During the first two months, practices are held after school three days a week.  In the final phase of the preparation, the action moves to the courthouse to practice with the attorneys and judges.  Awards are given for individual and team performances at the state and regional competitions.  Additionally, scholarship money is provided by the Cumming-Forsyth Bar Association  to the senior competitor who demonstrates superior courtroom talent.  This is truly a wonderful competition and one which any student who seeks a truly spirited academic competition should thoroughly enjoy!