Utica University is preparing to host a regional competition for the American Mock Trial Association, bringing dozens of teams, judges and visitors to campus for a full weekend of trial simulations.
The Regional Mock Trial Association Championship Tournament will run from Feb. 14 – 15 with 28 teams set to participate. Each round will feature 14 trials happening simultaneously, requiring 14 designated classrooms to be converted into fully functional courtrooms. The university must also provide centralized gathering areas where judges can assemble and receive instructions before each round.
Judge recruitment is the biggest logistical challenge of the competition. While the American Mock Trial Association offers some assistance, the majority of the responsibility falls on the host institution.
“We do much of the heavy lifting when it comes to recruiting people to serve as judges,” said Bernie Hyman, professor of Economic Crime Management and advisor of Utica’s Mock Trial Team.
Attorneys are especially needed, though qualified non-attorneys, such as professors, are also welcome.
Volunteers play a critical role as well. Student and community volunteers are needed to guide teams between buildings and ensure that all trials begin at the same time once teams are cleared. Approximately eight volunteers are required to manage coordination throughout the weekend.
According to Hyman, being selected as a host site was a competitive process. Utica University was required to submit a detailed proposal outlining campus facilities, available courtroom-style spaces and nearby accommodations. Dining options were also a key consideration, as the university expects between 280 and 300 participants on campus for meals during the event.
Specific criteria also had to be met for opening and closing ceremonies, including access to large gathering spaces, such as the Donahue Concourse, to accommodate all participants at once.
“Only 32 schools across the country were selected to host regional tournaments, and we were one of them,” Hyman said, noting that Buffalo was the only other site chosen in Upstate New York.
Utica’s Mock Trial team consists of 12 members, though only 10 compete in any given tournament. The program has continued to grow under experienced leadership. Hyman has advised Mock Trial for nine years and has been a full-time faculty member at Utica University since 2014.
“Mock Trial is a great co-curricular activity,” Hyman said. “It helps people who want to go into just about any field. It’s a lot of fun and I can tell you some of these students are prepared better than some lawyers I see in the courtroom.”
As the competition approaches, the university continues preparations to ensure a smooth and successful tournament—one that highlights Utica University’s facilities, organization and commitment to experiential learning, Hyman said.
Ethan Klein, a senior and president of Utica’s Mock Trial team, said Utica University hosting the regional tournament is not only a great opportunity for the club, but also for the school.
“It’s a chance for us to show other institutions that we have a strong campus community,” Klein said. “This entire event will hopefully get more people on campus aware of the program and what we’re about.”
All are welcome to attend the tournament and anyone interested in judging or volunteering should email Bernie Hyman at [email protected].
