University of Michigan Mock Trial jobs and careers

About University of Michigan Mock Trial

The Mock Trial Team at The University of Michigan competes in the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), which governs collegiate mock trial. Mock trial is a simulation of a court case. In competition, one university’s plaintiff or prosecution competes against another university’s defense, and vice versa. Mock trial helps to develop communication, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Members of a mock trial team also learn real courtroom procedure and become experts in the Federal Rules of Evidence. During a round, each side presents an opening statement, three witnesses, and a closing argument during the three hour trial. We are judged by a variety of volunteers, from local attorneys to federal judges. Unlike most other university teams, Michigan Mock Trial is an entirely student run program. This means that the students take a central role in planning and implementing the competitive season, where returning members pass on their knowledge to new members. In doing so, we determine case theory and legal arguments independent of faculty advisors or attorney coaches. We also run our own practices and handle our own finances. Michigan Mock Trial is a highly competitive program with three competitive teams. Our team has traveled to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, and many more amazing cities. MMT is also a social organization, leading to lifelong friendships and activities outside of the actual mock trial competition.