Urgent: Volunteer Judges & Jurors Needed for High School Mock Trial | November 14–15
Free ethics MCLE opportunities, parking, and catered meals from the Hilton Chicago
The Invitation
Please join us as a volunteer judge or juror at Empire Chicago on Saturday, November 14, or Sunday, November 15 at the Hilton Chicago. Report times are 9:15 AM and 2:30 PM each day.
Volunteer for one trial or several — whatever your schedule permits.
Non-litigators and volunteers new to mock trial are welcome!Experienced trial attorneys and judges can preside, while attorneys from any practice background and law students can serve as scoring jurors.
The competition welcomes 425 students on 40 teams from 14 states and four countries. Local schools include Glenbrook South, Homewood-Flossmoor, Maine South, Niles North, and Niles West.
Learn more and sign up to volunteer
Why Volunteer?
Enjoy exceptional advocacy while helping young people grow as public speakers and critical thinkers. Volunteers also enjoy:
- Make a Difference: Help young advocates build confidence through your feedback.
- Free Ethics MCLE: Earn one credit per seminar, provided by Eagle Cove Bar Services.
- Free Parking: Park at the Hilton Chicago at no cost.
- Complimentary Meals: Enjoy catered breakfast and/or lunch before your trial.
- Judge with a Friend: Register for the same round, and we can pair you together.
- Meet the Legal Community: Connect during trials and at Appreciation Night on November 14.
A Sitting Judge’s Perspective
Judge James Shapiro of the Cook County Circuit Court shared this about volunteering with Empire:
“Before Empire, I had never judged a high school mock trial competition. Quite frankly, I was a little skeptical as to how good they could possibly be at the high school level. I am no longer a skeptic. These high school kids are better at trial advocacy than many lawyers I see.
The competition is run in an extraordinarily professional manner. Empire has it organized down to a science. I had no idea this could be possible at the high school level. Kudos to Empire, and I heartily recommend participation as a judge in this competition. You will be blown away by the quality of much of the trial advocacy.”
Who We Are
Empire Mock Trial is an education nonprofit celebrating its 20th season. Having impacted close to 20,000 students, we educate, connect, and empower young people to become more compassionate citizens and stronger critical thinkers. Scholarships and financial assistance help make our programs accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Register & Spread the Word
- If you’re unable to join us, please consider forwarding this invitation to a friend or colleague. You can also circulate our PDF flyer or share our posts on LinkedIn and Facebook. Even one signup would be a big help.
Questions?
Call or text 917-426-3631, or email judge@empiremocktrial.org — we’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope you’ll join us.
