Help Northwestern Mock Trial Compete at and Host Mock at the Rock!

Collegiate mock trial is a fun and dynamic way for undergraduate students to develop skills in public speaking, performance, trial advocacy, and teamwork. To compete in and host our annual cross-country Mock at the Rock tournament on November 14-15, Northwestern Mock Trial must purchase various materials. We need to purchase filing buckets to carry copies of our case materials, binders to give materials to judges, printed copies of the case, other mock legal documents, and materials to make demonstratives. Each team requires at least two buckets, two binders, and five copies of the case. Additionally, judges often look to the quality of demonstrative aids to assist in scoring each round. These demonstrative aids include poster boards with timelines or other images, which require the use of poster stands, as well as specific items related to the case. Additionally, hosting a tournament incurs additional costs for materials, signage, promotional materials, and judge recruitment.

To ensure no financial burden falls on competing members, team captains, or tournament directors, the program covers the cost of these materials. Assistance in purchasing these materials would allow our program to focus on competing at and hosting our tournament. The skills that our members will build at this tournament will help us prepare to qualify for Regionals and the National Championship in the winter.

Mock at the Rock is an opportunity for some of the most competitive mock trial teams in the country to face each other on Northwestern’s campus. Last year, the tournament was the most competitive fall competition in the nation. This tournament offers new program members the opportunity to strengthen their public speaking skills and get comfortable with performing in a mock trial setting. Mock at the Rock not only provides new members the chance to grow, but due to the high caliber of competition, veteran members are able to hone their skills and obtain the extra practice they need to go from good to great. Students from Northwestern and 13 other universities will perform as both attorneys and witnesses in this year's civil case. At its core, Mock at the Rock is a chance for students to grow, become more confident, and sharpen skills such as communication, critical thinking, and public speaking that are invaluable to success in any field.

The benefits and services provided by Northwestern University’s student groups are available to all students without regard to any category protected by the law. The University believes different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds are critical to a dynamic and vibrant University community, and as such all students are welcome and encouraged to join each group. Any student interested in exploring establishing a new affinity group should contact SOA.