The 2024 ISBA High School Mock Trial Invitational was held on March 16-17, 2024, at the University of Illinois – Springfield (UIS). Teams representing 50 high schools from throughout Illinois participated in the event. Each team argued both sides of a case involving a motor vehicle crash and alleged violation of Illinois’ Scott’s Law, and team members took a written law test.

The first place winner, College Preparatory School of America (CPSA), will represent Illinois at the National High School Mock Trial Competition in Wilmington, Delaware on May 2-5, 2024. In second place was Stevenson High School, and in third place was Maine South High School.

The top eight teams (in alphabetical order) were: College Preparatory School of America; De La Salle Institute; Maine South High School; Niles North High School; Stevenson High School; Timothy Christian High School; Wheeling High School; and Whitney M. Young Magnet School.

The Donna E. Schechter Memorial Law Test Award for the highest score on the written law test was awarded to York Community High School, and the Civility & Professionalism Award (based on nominations from other teams), was awarded to Nile West High School.

The 2024 Invitational 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 and the Mock Trial Coordinator, Katy Flannagan. The Invitational would not have been possible without UIS’ willingness to provide a venue for the event, the many judges, attorneys, paralegals, UIS Mock Trial Club members, and others who generously volunteered their time and expertise. We also appreciate the support and sponsorship of the ISBA and Illinois LEARN. We hope to see these teams and volunteers again in 2024, and new teams and volunteers are welcome to join us!!

A full list of participating schools and volunteers, information about volunteering, and general information about the Mock Trial Invitational program can be found on the ISBA Mock Trial website at: http://www.isba.org/teachers/mocktrial.