National High School Mock Trial Championship

Competition · National High School Mock Trial Championship, Inc.

High school mock trial teams argue both sides of a simulated civil or criminal case in front of practicing attorneys and judges, building courtroom skills like opening statements, witness examination, and objections. Students join a team through their school's state mock trial program (typically run by the state bar association); the state champion team represents their state at the National High School Mock Trial Championship each May. The 2027 Championship will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, May 13-15.

Who can apply

GradesGrades 9–12

Min GPA—

ScopeNational

StatesAll states

FieldsLaw · Civics

SelectivityDraws teams from most U.S. states plus Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with occasional international participants like South Korea

Logistics

Cost to youFree for students; team costs are handled through the school/state program (exact fee not published)

Financial aidNot listed

StipendNot listed

FormatVaries

LengthNational Championship runs 3 days (May 13-15, 2027)

WhereSt. Louis, MO (2027 Nationals)

Applying

OpensVaries by state mock trial program

DueState champion teams advance directly to Nationals each spring

You submitJoin your school's mock trial team through your state's mock trial program (usually run via the state bar association); win the state championship to represent your state at Nationals.

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