Tryout Information

We’re so glad you want to join UA Mock Trial!

Want to stay updated on tryouts, interest meetings, and more? Fill out this form.

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New to mock trial? Competed in high school but want to learn about college mock? The interest meetings are for you! All students and returning members planning to try out are encouraged to come to an interest meeting. We will discuss everything you need to know about UA Mock Trial and our tryout process.

If you would like some help brainstorming, writing, or perfecting your tryout material, stop in and join us for office hours! Our executive board will be there to give advice and answer any and all questions you may have about the organization, tryouts, or your tryout material. If you can’t make it to either of the interest meetings, this is also a great time to catch up on all of that information as well.

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Tryouts for the 2025-2026 season will be held
August 25th through September 7th.

Tryouts will be split into two rounds. The first round of tryouts is scored, with the top applicants from the first round being called back for a second round of tryouts. Round one will take course over two weeks; August 25-27 and August 31, September 2-3. Applicants will use a link to select ONE 10 or 15 minute tryout spot, which will be available during the below mentioned times.

In the first round, attorneys will be asked to give a prepared argumentative speech (no longer than 4 minutes). Attorneys will chose the topic of their speech from a pool of given prompts, which will be published in August with the rest of the tryout materials. After their speech, attorneys will be given a counterargument and have one minute to think before giving a one minute rebuttal in response. Top scorers will move on to the second round.

In the first round, witnesses will be asked to prepare a direct examination as the character of their choice. There will be four witness options (one character, one sympathetic, one expert, and one pseudo-expert), and the direct examinations will be based on a pre-written set of questions which will be published along with the rest of the tryout materials in August. Following the prepared direct examination, witnesses will be will then be cross examined (impromptu in-character responses to questions given by an opposing attorney) by one of our current members. Top scorers will move on to the second round.

The second round of tryouts will be held on Sunday, September 7. Round two is subjective as members are drafted directly out of the callback pool and onto their fall teams based on a variety of factors including style, role, and team chemistry.

During callbacks, attorneys will be expected to give a prepared four minute cross on the witness of their choice, along with a two minute impromptu speech, and a three minute personal interview.

Witnesses will have a four minute in-character interview, followed by a five minute out-of-character personal interview.

Drafting will occur on September 8. This year, we will be drafting 29 members — 25 competing members and 4 non-competing paralegals — into the org.

Tryout slots will cost 10 dollars for a single tryout spot (witness or attorney) and 15 dollars for a double tryout spot (witness and attorney). If drafted, the tryout fee will be directly applied towards the fall membership fee.

A note to those trying out: Even if you already know whether you want to be a witness or an attorney, we highly recommend signing up for both tryout slots. Trying out for both roles will allow you to be a part of our competing team even if you only meet the tryout cutoff as one of the roles. Give yourself as many chances as possible to make the team!

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We can’t wait to meet you! If you have any questions, please email us at uacjmta@gmail.com.