This year’s ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational took place virtually on March 12-14, 2021, via software called PROcess (created by Empire Mock Trial, Inc.) and Zoom. Despite the specter of  the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges of conducting mock trials in a virtual realm, the 46 Illinois high schools that participated in the Invitational performed admirably, maintaining their composure and commitment while presenting their cases remotely to volunteer judges and jurors. Students performed roles as attorneys, witnesses, and timekeepers. This year’s  winning team was Evanston Township High School, which represented Illinois at the National High School Mock Trial Championship (also held virtually on May 12-15, 2021). 

The 2021 Invitational involved many adaptations and accommodations to fit the virtual format. The ISBA appreciates the patience and flexibility shown by teams, coaches, and volunteers. The event was a success due to the hard work and enthusiasm of these teams and their coaches, families, and other supporters, and the dedication of the ISBA’s Standing Committee on Law-Related Education for the Public, the Mock Trial Coordinator, Katy Flannagan, and ISBA staff members. The Law-Related Education Committee would also like to thank the team at Empire Mock Trial for their assistance with the PROcess platform. Finally, the Invitational would not have been possible without the many judges, attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals who generously volunteered their time to be presiding judges, jurors, and Blue Shirts (bailiffs). The Law-Related Education Committee appreciates and is grateful for the support and hard work of these entities and individuals. 

We look forward to seeing all of you again in 2022—and hopefully in person—as well as new teams and new volunteers!!  We suspect many of you are  already wondering what the subject of the next case will be, what arguments can be made, who the parties will be, and what evidence can be brought to the judges. Stay tuned!