Mock Trial is a club where students interested in law have an opportunity to experience a real courtroom. Participants are given a fake case and assume the roles of witnesses and attorneys, preparing arguments and testimony to present in competition. After hours of hard work, the team showcases the practice they have put in during a simulated trial setting. Along the way, students build skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration that extend far beyond the courtroom.
Mock Trial is a hidden gem for students gravitating towards law as a career. Seniors RJ Zeising and Maddy Zeitlen, the captains of the 2025-2026 Mock Trial team, offer insight into being involved with the team and advice for students considering joining.
Both students spoke about their interest in law, and after hearing about the team, they ran straight to Mock Trial to expand their knowledge in the field.
“I was curious about being a lawyer in my sophomore year when I came to Pisgah, and so I joined because I wanted to gain valuable law experience and see if the field of law was for me,” explained Zeising.
Zeising and Zeitlen echoed each other’s favorite aspect of participating: getting to compete and bond with the team. Additionally, Zeising expressed satisfaction at seeing the hard work pay off in a real courtroom, a special aspect of competing that adds to the club’s realism. Zeitlen also attests to how great this realism is.
“It was so cool to see the case we worked so hard on come to life in a courtroom,” she added.
Both students agree on the benefits received upon joining. They state that it is a great way to practice public speaking and communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
“One fun skill I’ve developed is the ability to rebut faster, which is a skill I’m grateful to have,” said Zeising.
Overall, Zeising and Zeitlen emphasize that students considering joining should take advantage of the opportunity and commit to embracing its rewards.
As this year’s mock trial leader, John Stuckey shared his experience in the role and reflected on this past season.
“I was asked to assist last year, and after getting to know some of the students who participated, I knew I wanted to remain engaged,” he explained. “The opportunity to watch the culmination of so many hours of preparation and how our case comes together in competition with other schools is incredibly fulfilling.”
Stuckey highlighted that the most gratifying part of leading the team is seeing the scores improve this year compared to last. He stated that it shows the team is growing and improving, and that, as long as the team continues to progress, he “will consider the experience rewarding.”
When asked for advice for students interested, Stucky encourages them to attend this year’s interest meeting to see if Mock Trial is right for them.
“I would stress that Mock Trial is a lot of hard work, but I encourage all students who are interested to come to our interest meeting next year,” he stated.
As the courtroom’s final ruling was read and the Mock Trial season ended, its impact remained. It is not only a competition, but also a place where students can grow and develop in many skills, find their voice, and challenge themselves in ways they might not in the classroom.
