Shape the Future of Mock Trial: Apply to the Student Advisory Council

‍You’ve argued cases, examined witnesses, responded to objections, and worked with your teammates to prepare for competition. Now you can help shape the Mock Trial program beyond the courtroom.

Applications are open for the 2026–2027 Mock Trial Student Advisory Council, which gives high school students a direct voice in the Virginia and Washington, DC, Mock Trial program. Council members work with program leadership to strengthen the mock trial community, expand access to legal education, and create new opportunities for students interested in law and civic leadership. They also bring the perspective that matters most: the students participating in the program.

‍Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for students who have ideas about how to improve the mock trial experience—and who are ready to help turn those ideas into action. ‍You don’t need to be a state champion or an individual award winner. Mock trial achievement and recognition may strengthen an application, but they aren’t required. We’re especially interested in students who will contribute thoughtfully, work well with others, follow through on assignments, and represent the broader mock trial community.

Applicants must:‍

• Be enrolled in grades 9–12 at a public, private, or homeschool program in Virginia or Washington, DC

• Have participated in at least one regional or state mock trial competition

• Be available for monthly online meetings with program leadership

• Be prepared to lead or assist with statewide projects

• Submit a personal statement describing their goals and commitment to legal education

• Submit a résumé covering their mock trial experience, academic background, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and awards

Available Positions

Students may apply for one of six leadership positions:‍ ‍

• Head Chair: Leads the Council, works with program leadership and legal professionals, helps set annual goals, and oversees Council initiatives.

• Vice Chair: Supports the Head Chair, coordinates internal planning, maintains meeting records, and helps keep Council projects on track.

• Outreach Coordinator: Builds relationships with schools, recruits new teams and participants, and organizes outreach activities.

• Mentorship Coordinator: Connects students with alumni and legal professionals, supports career panels and mentorship programs, and assists newer students.

• Communications Chair: Coordinates announcements and other public-facing communications about the Council’s work.

• Social Media Chair: Creates content promoting mock trial opportunities, student accomplishments, and Council initiatives.

‍The Council will also include four At-Large Members, who will support projects involving outreach, resource development, event planning, speaker recruitment, program logistics, and other statewide initiatives.

Council members are appointed for one competition year. Students who wish to serve in a later year or move into a different leadership position must reapply. No student may hold the same executive leadership position for more than two consecutive terms.‍ ‍

Apply by September 18

Applications will be reviewed by the Mock Trial Advisory Council. If you want to represent your fellow competitors, strengthen the statewide program, and help more students discover mock trial, we encourage you to apply.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on September 18, 2026. Apply to the 2026–2027 Mock Trial Student Advisory Council now!