Mock Trial Program

The Mock Trial program at BU Law is a student-coached trial advocacy program. Students are taught how to write and conduct direct examinations, cross examinations, opening statements, closing arguments, and motions in limine as well given an introduction to the federal rules of evidence and federal rules of civil procedure. Students use their skills to prepare and conduct fictional cases before actual practicing judges and attorneys. For questions about competing or otherwise getting involved, please email buslmock@bu.edu.

Joining Mock Trial

Check back here over the summer for information about our fall events!

Competition Teams

BU law typically fields two to three competition teams in a semester. To become a competing member of the team, students are required to try out in September by presenting a short persuasive argument to the executive board. All students pursuing a JD are permitted to try out, including 1Ls – something that makes the BU mock trial program unique. Once on a competing team, students will meet regularly to learn necessary trial advocacy skills as well as prepare their cases for trial. The cases are based on fictional fact patterns, and we typically enter both criminal and one civil trial competitions. In the past, the BU Law mock trial competition teams have competed at the ABA Labor & Employment competition, the Queens County DA’s Office competition, the Texas Young Lawyers Association competition, and the American Association for Justice competition. At these competitions, students compete against other law schools and are judged by real attorneys and judges who provide meaningful feedback at the conclusion of rounds.

Intramural Opportunities

The Mock Trial program typically hosts fall competitions that are open to all Boston University School of Law students. These intramural competitions offer a low-pressure introduction to trial advocacy, evidence, and the rules of procedure. These competitions cover parts of the trial, including opening statements, examination and cross-examination, and closing statements, giving students the opportunity to apply their new-found skills competing against one another. These intramural competitions can also serve as an introduction to what mock trial is like for those who wish to try out for a competing team the following year.

2024–2025 Mock Trial Executive Board

President: Haewon Lee
Vice Presidents of Training: Sarah Eastland and Eli O’Neal
Vice President of Communications: Maneesa Ghotbi
Vice President of Outreach: Orestes Rellos
Vice President of Operations: Audrey Chu and Jessica Younan
Vice President of Administration: Gregory Bowe