SFTLA Annual Mock Trial

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Four California Law Schools square off in the sumptuous quarters of courtrooms one and three at the Ninth Circuit court in downtown San Francisco. Retired judges from ADR Services and JAMS act as judges while SFTLA Board Members and members act as the jury and evaluators. There is a morning and an afternoon session with the four-team rotating what school they face off with and who acts as Plaintiff and Defense.

The problem is created by a committee and is typically based on a real case. Schools are provided with the problem, exhibits, and testimony. Teams are randomly assigned Plaintiff and Defense by SFTLA. Schools are supplied with the problem at the beginning of September. LCD and screen equipment is provided by SFTLA.

School teams consist of two attorneys and two witnesses. Each attorney team member will receive a check from the Carlene Caldwell Scholarship. The winning team will receive $1,000, the runner-up team will receive $500, and the other two teams will receive $250 each. All student participants also receive a one-year membership to SFTLA.

The Carlene Caldwell Scholarship Fund was set up to celebrate the life and contributions of SFTLA’s long-time Executive Director, Carlene Caldwell. The fund is generated by donations made by SFTLA Members and friends and through money generated at the annual Silent Auction at SFTLA’s annual Holiday Party.