Mock Trial Delivers Real Skills: Virginia & DC Teams Forming Now

Mock trial programs teach students essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and the art of forming a persuasive, cohesive argument. Each year, the Virginia Law-Related Education Institute (VLRE) coordinates a high school mock trial competition for students from Virginia and Washington, DC. Teams of six to 10 students from public, private, and homeschool organizations are invited to join the competition.

This year’s case packet is available now, and registration is open until December 31. Regional competitions will take place virtually and in person at the end of January and beginning of February 2022, and the state finals will occur virtually on March 19-20, 2022. The winner of the finals will compete at the National High School Mock Trial Competition in May.

This year, students will try a medical malpractice case, Thomas v. Davis. The plaintiff is the parent of a basketball player who overdosed on opioids prescribed by the defendant. For more details on the competition and mock trial program, please visit the registration page on the VLRE’s website.

The John Marshall Center is proud to partner with the VLRE to promote the mock trial program and provide resources including judges for competitions, team mentors from the legal field, and support for new teams. If you are interested in helping JMC assist the VLRE’s mock trial program, please contact Caroline Legros, Director of Education & Programs at carolinelegros@johnmarshallcenter.org.