Golden Gate University School of Law’s Final Mock Trial

Sixteen law schools from throughout the U.S. compete in 23 mock trials at GGU’s annual Professor Bernie Segal National Criminal Mock Trial Competition In Vino Veritas each fall. My apprentices capture the record in the final mock trial, which will be virtual again in 2021. Their main task is to speak up for the record in order to produce rough drafts. Unlike traditional internships, where a reporting student shadows a working reporter, my apprentices learn how to be THE REPORTER:  They speak up as often as needed to get the best record they can, mark exhibits, and produce rough draft transcripts. These mock events are win-win opportunities for all participants:

• Law students and lawyers benefit from a reporter interrupting them to ensure the integrity of the record when they mumble, speak too fast, or talk over one another. Later, by reading my apprentices’ rough drafts or final transcripts, they learn how to improve their questioning and defending skills and future performance.

• Reporting students and new reporters learn to manage fear, nervousness, and anxiety; how and when to interrupt; develop self-confidence; and immediately utilize the lessons from these extra-curricular practical skills events in their training and career.