Texas High School Mock Trial Competition

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Thousands of high school students from across the state participate each year in this highly motivating, energetic, and challenging academic competition! The program provides a great way for students to gain an “insider’s view” of our judicial system, plus, they gain confidence speaking in front of others and have a lot of fun at the same time.

A team of students (approximately 6-10 individuals) are gathered by coaches--a teacher, attorney, etc.--who help to instruct, and then the teams compete against other peers in a regional competition. Regionals are held in late January through early February across the state and the winners of these meets advance to the State competition in Dallas, TX in March (always the first weekend). The final champion team will then represent the State of Texas at the National Tournament held in May (usually ever Mother's Day week/end).

Team coaches are provided with a copy of the case materials (included in the registration fee) which contains the rules, procedures, and the case problem itself. Please note: each team will bear its own expense to all competitions. Teams should secure assistance from an attorney to help with courtroom decorum and trial skills. For more information about regional dates, check the calendar online or contact the Regional Coordinator (contact info provided on website). Please be sure to comply with all regional requirements for competing in your regional competition.

To officially participate in the Texas High School Mock Trial Competition, teams must complete an online registration form and pay the team registration fee by the deadline, December 15. We encourage you to check out our website with everything that you need to know about the competition at: www.dallasbar.org/thsmtc

Former participants say that the benefits of preparation and participation in the mock trial program are well worth the time and effort spent. Attorneys and judges alike have been highly impressed with the caliber of the program, the students, and the sponsors. We look forward to our best mock trial year yet!

The Dallas Bar Association Mock Trial Committee is responsible for the organization and administration of the statewide high school mock trial program, which was established in 1979. The program is organized through the 20 Texas Education Agency's Regional Service Centers, reaching approximately 200 Texas schools each calendar year, and involving about 2000 students annually. Below are the committee chairs that run this state-wide program:

Hon. Lana Myers, Co-Chair
Stephen W. Gwinn, Co-Chair
B. Prater Monning III, Vice-Chair
Steven L. Russell, Vice-Chair
Scott A. Seelhoff, Vice-Chair

For additional questions that are not answered on this website, please contact the State Coordinator, Amy Smith: asmith@dallasbar.org or 214-220-7484.