Join CU Mock Trial!
Who Are We Looking For?
Any University of Colorado undergraduate student can try out for the Mock Trial program. There are no pre-requisites, and no experience of any kind is necessary! We will teach you everything you need to know. Undergraduates of any age and any major are welcome.
There is no commitment required at the beginning of the season. Anyone with any interest in joining the team should come to the early season meetings and practices to get a feel for mock trial. If you decide that mock trial is for you, you will be required to commit to your team for the whole season after the tryout process.
Tryouts will be held in September, and we hope to CU there! To receive information about joining the Program, please email us at cumocktrial@colorado.edu to be added to our mailing list. Please see below some FAQs regarding the program and tryout process!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment?: Mock trial is a commitment for the whole academic year. Our season begins in August and ends as late as April. Members should expect to practice between two and four nights a week for 2 hours. In addition, some work is required on your own time to prepare and practice your own material.
How much does it cost?: We receive funding for most program expenses as well as major travel expenses. Mock Trial students can expect to spend their own money on personal printing expenses, office supplies, personal travel expenses, and formal clothing. A suit (pant/skirt suit with matching blazer for women, trousers, and jacket for men) is required for competition. If costs are a concern to you, please contact the coaches at the beginning of the season and we will work with you to find a solution. All discussions about personal expenses will remain confidential.
What are tryouts?: Trying out is the only thing you need to do to join CU Mock Trial. We don't do cuts, meaning that if you try out, you'll get a spot on our team no matter what!
What kind of person are we looking for to try out?: ANYONE AND EVERYONE. We don't care if you are an engineering major, someone with eight years of Mock Trial experience, someone with no Mock Trial experience, someone who wants to be a lawyer, or someone who wants to be an astronaut. Any kind of person can benefit from Mock Trial and be a valuable contribution to our team.
Why do we do tryouts?: Tryouts are meant to measure skill level, to the extent that tryouts can accurately show skill. Our biggest tip is to not overthink these auditions––you will have plenty of other opportunities to show your knowledge and skill throughout the season. While tryouts will be used to place you on your first team, the final team you will be competing with during regionals will be decided based on your performance, dedication, and sportsmanship during our practices, scrimmages, and competitions.
More than anything, our September tryouts are meant to weed out people who are completely unwilling to speak in front of a small audience. Mock trial is a sport of public speaking, and only those who are willing to have the bravery to step up to speak in the first place can be successful. Simply showing up to auditions is a massive step in your Mock Trial journey, and we are always ecstatic to work with anyone who is willing to take this first step, regardless of how smoothly your audition goes!
How do tryouts work?: Your tryout will last roughly 15 minutes. You will be asked to prepare an opening statement and answer three questions based on the season's case packet. We'll also ask you a few things about yourself! We recognize that many students are coming in never having done Mock Trial before, and we take this into account during auditions. We aren't looking for experts––we are only looking for students to try their best with the knowledge and skills they currently possess!
How can I prepare for tryouts?: There will be an audition information session early in the 2025 school year. We will discuss what to expect during auditions, what we're looking for in a member, how to read a case packet, and how to write/present an opening statement. This information session will set auditionees up for better success and hopefully ease your nerves about the process!
When are tryous?: Tryouts for the 2025-26 season will be held early in the school year. More information to follow and announced; please check your University of Colorado email and our Instagram page for these annoucements.
Where will auditions be?: Wolf Law Building, Room TBD
Who will be watching my audition?: CU Mock Trial's President and coach(es) will be present at your audition.