As the UHS Mock Trial team prepares to defend its Orange County championship title, with the semifinals on Jan. 28 and county finals on Feb. 4 and 6, members are honing their public speaking and teamwork skills. Competing against other schools in different legal subjects, the team must master complex case materials while gaining a deepened understanding of the legal system.
One of the essential parts of being a member of Mock Trial is having confidence. Members maintain this confidence while debating and navigating intense arguments. The team spends hours preparing to perfect their skills, focusing on taking control of the conversation and presenting arguments that stand out.
“Inside the courtroom, our team takes control of the competition,” freshman So Nomura said. “And even outside the courtroom, the confidence we have in our capabilities is what differentiates us from other teams! Also with devotion, we put in loads of time to run [trial] material[s], revise and tweak our work.”
Being part of the team requires more than just participation; it demands a significant amount of commitment. Team members agree that it is similar to being in a family, as members dedicate countless hours working together, building teamwork and collaboration as they strive towards a common goal.
“Being a member of Mock Trial means committing your time to practice and trial,” sophomore Natalya Vukmanovic said. “We like to call it a family because everyone is so close [and] we see each other two or more times a week.”
Every Mock Trial member plays an essential role in the success of the team, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and individual responsibility. A clear understanding of individual roles in the team is often necessary to maintain a steady debate. The trials are built on cooperation, and members trust each other’s abilities to fulfill their roles effectively, ensuring a cohesive execution.
“It takes a lot of teamwork and dedication,” Nomura said. “It is really important to understand we work as a team and every contribution counts.”
Sometimes, members face challenges during debates. Thus, there’s a strong need to adapt to obstacles that may arise.
“Mock Trial members face several challenges including tough matches and absences when other members have to learn their teammates’ elements,” Vukmanovic said. “We overcome these challenges by working together and [doing] practicing extra with practice runs.”
With the skills they have developed, the UHS Mock Trial team is prepared to defend their county championship title. With the commitment to perfecting their arguments and enhancing their courtroom skills, the team is excited to face the challenges of this year’s county competition and pursue another victory for UHS.
