For students considering a career in law, few experiences compare to arguing a case inside a real courtroom. At John Carroll University, members of the Mock Trial team are doing exactly that—gaining firsthand courtroom experience while preparing for law school.
This spring, John Carroll’s Mock Trial team traveled to Columbus to compete at the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) Ohio Regionals at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, where students argued a complex case four times each against teams from 14 universities across the region.
While the Mock Trial program is in just its second year, it has quickly become a hands-on extension of the University’s pre-law pathway. Students spend months preparing for the competition by analyzing case files, developing legal arguments, and rehearsing courtroom strategy.
In recent years, JCU’s pre-law program has expanded significantly, with the launch of an LSAT prep course, internship preparation, and networking events.
The results are strong. According to the American Bar Association, roughly two-thirds of all law school applicants (69.9%) were accepted to at least one school in 2023; whereas, on average, 75% of JCU applicants are accepted, with the typical student earning acceptance into at least two law schools.
Learning the Law by Practicing It
Founded in 1985, the American Mock Trial Association organizes intercollegiate competitions that simulate real courtroom trials. Each year, AMTA releases a case file, often more than 200 pages long, that includes witness affidavits, legal rules, and evidence. Students must analyze the materials and develop arguments for both the prosecution/plaintiff and the defense.
For John Carroll students, many of whom plan to attend law school, the experience offers an opportunity to step into the courtroom long before they enter a graduate program.
“Being a witness in mock trial allowed me to see things from a different perspective." Said Kayla Pelletier-Robinson ’29, a Mock Trial Witness. "I now have a more well-rounded view of trials in general, and will take that knowledge to an attorney role in the future—whether in mock trial or a real trial."
Each mock trial team includes three witnesses and three attorneys. Attorneys give opening statements, closing arguments, and question witnesses who take the stand to highlight important facts and advance their side’s case. The result is a demanding simulation that combines elements of law, debate, and performance.
“This firsthand experience in the courtroom allowed me to see my skills play out as an attorney, and reaffirmed my desire to go to law school," said Vice President and Mock Trial Attorney Bella Kierce ’28. "Mock Trial has empowered me to excel in thinking quickly on my feet in both the courtroom and other settings, including work beyond JCU’s campus.
From Classroom to Competition
At John Carroll, Mock Trial functions as both a competitive team and an academic experience. Students can earn course credit while preparing for competition, working closely with faculty and practicing attorneys to develop the analytical thinking, persuasive writing, and public-speaking skills essential for success in law school and the legal profession.
The team is advised by Dr. Elizabeth Stiles, professor of political science, and supported by several practicing attorneys, including Harvard Law graduate Jeff Ubersax and John Carroll alumni Michael Brody ’20 and Megan Parker ’21. Their mentorship gives students direct exposure to legal strategy, courtroom procedure, and the realities of practicing law.
“JCU’s Mock Trial team provides students the opportunity to work closely with three practicing attorneys in a classroom setting, and then take those skills to competition. These experiences provide students with a strong foundation for law school and help them see themselves as future legal professionals.”
