It’s hard to believe, but we’re officially one week away from our mock trial, and things are really starting to pick up. Week eight was a major turning point in our preparation. We finally began our first official practice sessions with the attorneys, and the experience was both challenging and incredibly valuable.
Working alongside experienced attorneys gave my mock trial partner and me a new level of insight into strategy and presentation. They helped us think critically about how to frame our arguments, sharpen our questioning techniques, and fine-tune our courtroom demeanor. For the first time for me, everything we’ve been discussing in theory in law school started to come to life in a practical way.
What struck me the most was how different trial practice feels from reading about it in a textbook or discussing it in a classroom. Even concepts I thought I had a solid grasp on like objections, direct vs. cross-examination, and evidentiary foundations, feel much more complex and nuanced when applied in a real-world setting. It was eye-opening and humbling in the best way.
Beyond the knowledge that attorneys have offered about trial, I have also been able to learn a lot about myself and how I organize my trial preparation. I find it equally valuable to get the much-needed practice with managing my workload and understanding how to best sort through my thoughts about the case. I am excited to figure out what works and what doesn’t once we get to the mock trial.
Despite the internal pressure to perform well, I’ve found comfort in the fact that this experience is about growth, not perfection. I’m incredibly grateful to be learning from attorneys who are so generous with their time and knowledge. Their mentorship has made a huge difference in my confidence and understanding.
As we head into the final stretch before the mock trial, I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I know there’s still a lot to work on, but I also know that I’m gaining skills that will stay with me well beyond this summer. One week to go. Let’s do this!
