Utah is calling on volunteers to make a mark in the legal education of its youth through the state's Mock Trial program. In a move to reinforce the learning of aspiring legal eagles, local legal experts and enthusiasts are being recruited as judges and attorney coaches for the 2026 season. Sponsored by Utah Law-Related Education, the initiative is not just about understanding the law—it's about detangling the often-convoluted strands of justice to impart practical wisdom to middle and high school students.
Looking closer at the call for volunteers, those stepping into the robes of presiding and panel judges are tasked with the critical role of evaluation. An individual judging panel comprises a presiding judge, who rules on objections, and two panel judges, who assess performance and deliver feedback. Here's a catch, though: volunteers don't need to host a gavel to qualify. If you're over 18 and have an interest in advancing educational and legal foundations, you're already in the running. For attorney coaches, a license to practice is a must.
Details outlined by the Utah State Bar suggest a flexible commitment, with legal practitioners having the option to meet with teams as little or as often as their schedules allow. Coaches focus on mentoring, not on crafting materials for the students, ensuring that the young participants keep hold of the reins of their own educational journey.
Every volunteer receives a package of training videos, specialized instructions, and the mock trial case materials well before any gavel strikes. Competitions are slated for three big Saturdays: January 31, February 7, and February 21. Each of those days will need about 120 judges to handle trials, which last approximately 2.5 hours each. It's a substantial time commitment, reflecting the dedication Utah is striving for in its push for superior legal education. Moreover, the mentors and judges may just snag some MCLE credit for their trouble, though details on this front are best confirmed through the program.
