Cornell offers Mock Trial Camp for high school students July 7–12

February 16, 2024

Cornell College’s nationally competitive mock trial team is holding a brand new week-long camp from July 7–12, and it’s open to all rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2024 high school graduates.

“This is a great opportunity for high school students to learn more about mock trial, meet students who share similar interests, and see what it’s like to attend school here at Cornell College,” said Cornell Mock Trial Coach Max Handler, who is developing and leading the camp. “Plus, they’ll get to meet and learn from current Cornell students who are a part of Cornell’s award-winning, nationally-ranked mock trial team.”

Participants will walk through every facet of presenting a mock trial case, from delivering opening statements to crafting convincing witnesses. The week will end with a mini mock trial tournament where students will present the cases they have been working on with their teams. 

“We welcome students of all skill levels to sign up for this camp,” Handler said. “Whether you’re an experienced mocker looking to refine your skills or a curious newcomer ready to explore the world of mock trial for the first time, this one-week Cornell camp is your ticket to building expertise in the legal world.”

Students will have the option to stay on Cornell’s beautiful Hilltop campus to experience what college life is like and enjoy planned community outings with new friends. 

Cornell College stands out as one of the few schools with a dedicated, full-time mock trial coach. Handler, who has a robust background in both coaching and competitive mock trial participation, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the camp. He coached at Washington University in St. Louis and Wellesley College near Boston prior to arriving at Cornell in 2023. As a coach, his teams have achieved 13 tournament victories, 10 Opening Round Championship Series bids in five years, and two National Championship Tournament bids. The students on his squads have also won more than 100 individual awards.

The deadline to register is May 7. Registration forms and more information, including a sample camp schedule, are online at crnl.co/mocktrialcamp. For questions, email mocktrial@cornellcollege.edu.

Header image: Cornell students conduct a mock trial practice in an Iowa courtroom. Photo by Megan Amr.