Emory University Mock Trial Team

Emory University Mock Trial Team is a highly competitive team that represents Emory University in American Mock Trial Association tournaments, competing against other top teams from institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. The team has a strong reputation for excellence, with a history of success in regional and national competitions, often facing off against teams from University of Michigan, University of Chicago, and New York University. As a member of the American Mock Trial Association, the team participates in tournaments hosted by various universities, including University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, and Northwestern University. The team's achievements are often recognized by Emory University administrators, including the Emory University President and the Emory University Board of Trustees.

● History

The Emory University mock trial team was established to provide students with an opportunity to develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills, similar to programs offered by Yale University, University of Virginia, and Georgetown University. Over the years, the team has grown in size and competitiveness, with many of its members going on to attend top law schools like Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and University of Chicago Law School. The team's history is marked by notable performances at tournaments hosted by University of California, Los Angeles, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The team has also been recognized by American Bar Association and National Mock Trial Championship organizers, who have praised the team's dedication and skill, comparable to that of teams from University of Southern California, University of Washington, and Boston University.

● Team Structure

The team is composed of students from various academic backgrounds, including Emory College of Arts and Sciences, Goizueta Business School, and Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. The team is divided into several squads, each consisting of six to eight members, who work together to prepare and compete in tournaments, often with the guidance of coaches from Emory University School of Law and Georgia State University College of Law. The team's structure is similar to that of other top mock trial teams, such as those from University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and New York University. The team's leadership, including the Team Captain and Co-Captains, is responsible for organizing practices, selecting competition teams, and coordinating with American Mock Trial Association officials, as well as National Collegiate Mock Trial Championship organizers.

● Competitions and Awards

The team competes in several tournaments throughout the year, including regional and national competitions, such as the National Collegiate Mock Trial Championship and the American Mock Trial Association National Championship. The team has won numerous awards, including Outstanding Witness and Outstanding Attorney awards, at tournaments hosted by University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, and Northwestern University. The team has also been recognized for its exceptional performance at tournaments hosted by University of California, Los Angeles, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The team's achievements are often reported by The Emory Wheel, the university's student newspaper, and Emory University News Center, which highlights the team's success alongside that of other Emory University teams, such as the Emory University Debate Team and the Emory University Moot Court Team.

● Notable Alumni

Many Emory University mock trial team alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers in law, politics, and other fields, attending top law schools like Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and University of Chicago Law School. Notable alumni include United States Senator Jon Ossoff, who competed on the team during his time at Emory University, and Georgia State Representative Dar'shun Kendrick, who credits the team with helping her develop her public speaking and argumentation skills, similar to those of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Stephen Breyer. Other notable alumni have gone on to work at top law firms like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, Kirkland & Ellis, and Latham & Watkins, as well as Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, and National Security Agency.

● Coaching and Leadership

The team is coached by experienced attorneys and judges, including Emory University School of Law faculty members and Georgia State University College of Law professors, who provide guidance and support to team members, similar to the coaching provided by Yale University and University of Virginia mock trial teams. The team's leadership, including the Team Captain and Co-Captains, works closely with the coaches to develop strategies and prepare for competitions, often seeking advice from American Mock Trial Association officials and National Collegiate Mock Trial Championship organizers. The team's coaching and leadership structure is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and supportive learning environment, similar to that of other top mock trial teams, such as those from University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan, and New York University.