State Mock Trial Championship

Top 20 Mock Trial Teams to Compete in State Finals

Top teams from around Virginia to compete at Henrico County Courthouse on March 18-19, 2023

In the first regional competition held in person since 2020, 40 high school mock trial teams competed in 3 regional tournaments around Virginia at the beginning of February. Twenty teams moved on to compete in Henrico for the right to represent Virginia and Washington, DC, at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Little Rock, Arkansas, in May.

The state competition is the culmination of months of hard work by the students, which includes reviewing case materials, developing theories of the case, drafting arguments and witness examinations, and preparing to present their case in court. The mock trial program gives high school students the opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and public speaking skills.

This year’s competition case is a fictitious arson case involving an alleged intentional fire at a car production facility located in Chesapeake, Virginia. The competition is taking place at the Henrico County Courthouse, thanks to the generous support of Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor and courthouse staff.

“Mock trial teaches skills that students don’t often focus on in the classroom setting. It helps students develop their communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking,” said Kristin Walinski, Chair of the Virginia Law-Related Education Institute (VLRE). “It enhances their advocacy skills and challenges their ability to think on their feet. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive way for students to engage with the legal system. It’s intellectually rewarding and an incredibly positive experience for all involved,” she added.

“This program is a win-win for students and lawyers,” said Richmond lawyer, mock trial coach, and VLRE State Competition Chair Maureen Stinger. “Practicing lawyers get the opportunity to help the next generation of attorneys, and students get a realistic glimpse of our legal system and potential careers.”

The Virginia and DC High School Mock Trial Competition is run by the Virginia Law-Related Education Institute, a nonprofit that helps students gain a deeper understanding of our legal system while developing leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The state competition takes place March 18 and 19 at the Henrico County Courthouse. Rounds begin at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM both days, with a final between the top two teams on Sunday beginning at 5:00 PM.

The 20 teams that qualified from our regional competitions for the state competition represent 13 schools from around Virginia and Washington, DC:

• Compass Homeschool Program

• Dominion Christian

• First Colonial High School

• George C. Marshall High School

• Henrico High School

• Jackson-Reed High School

• John Champe High School

• McLean High School

• Meridian High School

• Northview Mock Trial Academy

• Oakton High School

• W.T. Woodson High School

• Washington International School

More than 60 local lawyers will generously donate their time this weekend to judge the competition.

For more information, contact:

Kristin Walinski, Esq.
Chair, Virginia Law-Related Education Institute
(804) 517-7726
info@govlre.org