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Saturday, December 28, 2024
Mock Trial

Chicago Coalition for Law-Related Education
Mock Trial Competition   
Contact Information:
Circuit Court of Cook County
Chicago Coalition for Law-Related Education
Office of the Chief Judge
69 West Washington Street, 33rd Floor
Chicago, Illinois  60602
(312) 603-1927
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday 
  
The Circuit Court of Cook County's Mock Trial Competition is a hands-on educational experience available to Chicago public high school students. Students learn about the court and legal system as they test their legal skills in the preparation and presentation of a fictitious court case.
 
Instruction over a two-month period is provided by a teacher and volunteer attorney/coaches. Students compete in three rounds of competition in courtrooms in the Richard J. Daley Center. In all rounds of competition, students present their cases before actual Circuit Court of Cook County judges. Winners receive U.S. Savings Bonds.
 
The Chicago Coalition for Law-Related Education Mock Trial Competition is sponsored by the Circuit Court of Cook County, the law firm of Sidley Austin LLP, The Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago Board of Education.

Who can participate?

The Chicago Coalition of Law-Related Education (CCLRE) Citywide Mock Trial Competition is open to all Chicago Public high schools with students in grades 9 - 12. Schools may register only one team for the competition. The team must be made up students registered at the school  who will be under the instruction and supervision of a registered teacher from the school.

How can my school register to participate?

Chicago public high schools are sent a registration packet to the attention of the principal in early November. Interested schools also may contact the CCLRE Office at (312)603-1927 for information.

Can I volunteer to be a mock trial competition coach?

Only attorneys can volunteer as coaches. Interested attorneys may contact the CCLRE Office at (312)603-1927.

What is the time commitment for coaching a school?

Serving as a coach for the Mock Trial Competition requires a time commitment of between 3 to 4 months, depending on how far the school you are coaching advances in the competition. The Mock Trial Competition begins in January with instruction and preparation of students for trial.  The first rounds of competition begin in March. Coaches teach Mock Trial Competition classes two to three times a week depending on their schedules.

Is there another way to volunteer if my schedule does not allow me to serve as a coach?

Yes, attorneys can volunteer to serve as evaluators during the first two rounds of Mock Trial Competition by contacting the CCLRE Office at (312)603-1927.

My school is not a Chicago public high school; can we still participate?

The Illinois State Bar Association sponsors a statewide Mock Trial Competition every year in March. All schools in the state are qualified to participate. For more information, please contact the ISBA at (217)525-1760.
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