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Description of the Program

UCLA’s Mock Trial Institute (MTI) offers an immersive opportunity for high school students to delve into the American legal field while also gaining hands-on experience in trial advocacy, public speaking and legal persuasion. Occurring every summer (at the UCLA Campus and virtually), participants will have the opportunity to learn about the different phases of a criminal trial and prepare for trial with a figurative “mock” case.

MTI students will be able to work alongside fellow participants from around the world, current collegiate mock trial competitors, and faculty coaches. Students will be paired with two to three counselors during the week who will guide participants through the Federal Rules of Evidence, help to craft unique case theories, and strategize how to present the most compelling case. This experience both fosters essential critical-thinking skills and sharpens legal acuity. It will be the responsibility of both student attorneys and witnesses to illustrate the case for a jury while also meeting various legal requirements.

MTI also features lectures delivered by experienced professors and attorneys on the intricacies of direct and cross examinations, the power of persuasion, effective witness portrayals, and successful argumentation during objection battles. Students will apply what they have learned during a simulated trial on the final day. The hands-on nature of this program not only enhances student knowledge of the legal system, but also one’s communication abilities, oral-persuasion skills, and self-confidence. Advocates will undoubtedly leave MTI with the best of memories and a skillset that will be of use regardless of their future careers.

Two of the sessions are residential programs where participating high school students will reside at UCLA Dormitories under a contract with UCLA Housing (included in the program cost, with UCLA Mock Trial Program competitors acting as residential counselors.

Although this is a non-credit bearing program, it is primarily focused on instruction with the following learning goals:

1. Demonstrate clear opening statement and closing argument structure.

2. Conduct effective direct and cross-examinations using case theory.

3. Apply basic Rules of Evidence in live trial scenarios.

4. Build persuasive public speaking and storytelling skills under time constraints.

5. Work productively in teams to prepare witness files, exhibits, and trial strategy.

Sample In-Person Schedule of the first full day of each program session:

8:00–8:45 — Breakfast

· 9:00–10:30 — Lecture: Direct Examinations

· 10:45–12:15 — Team workshop (deciding case theory)

· 12:30–1:30 — Lunch

· 1:45–3:15 — Lecture: Cross Examinations

· 3:30–5:00 — Team workshop (drafting direct examinations)

· 5:00-6:00 — Dinner

· 6:00–8:00 — Team workshop (developing witness characters