Mock Trial team makes competitive debut

Alvernia University's Mock Trial team debuted at the 17th annual Justice Louis D. Brandeis Mock Trial Invitational at Brandeis University in Waltham, Ma. Students from various majors put their knowledge to practice and prepped with local Berks County attorneys through this experiential learning opportunity.

"This competition was an incredible experience. We brought a competitive team to our first competition and made many unforgettable memories while we were there," said Mock Trial Team Captain & History Major, Julia Davis. "The teamwork and dedication from everyone involved greatly contributed to our experience and we are excited to tackle the next competition. Mock Trial has allowed me to sharpen my skills in public speaking, debate, and most importantly, confidence. Overcoming challenging situations is the cornerstone of Mock Trial, and makes for an extremely rewarding experience."

Students on the team have the opportunity to take on the roles of lawyers and witnesses while networking with other industry professionals and students and have a chance to win individual and team awards. Practicing lawyers and judges then critique the trial and award points for the performance of both lawyers and witnesses. Law schools also tend to recruit from undergraduate mock trial teams and award scholarships if students are interested.

"Mock trial gave me a platform to speak, when all the other stages wouldn't. It welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to soar free within my passion for acting. It was the slipper that fit just right. A cracked window that I pushed open allowing light to come in," said Political Science & Theatre Dual Major, Grace Maketa. "The moment the idea of having a Mock trial team came to mind after having a mini-trial in my constitutional law class, I was on a mission to make it a reality. Professor Nicoletti helped bring that dream to life."

The Alvernia Political Science Club sponsored the Mock Trial Team in the spring of 2022 and the team officially began competing in American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) tournaments in the fall of 2022.

"This academic year, our team will travel to other universities to compete in invitational tournaments, eventually competing in the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) Regional Playoff," said Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Nicholas Nicoletti. "Mock Trial is also a fantastic networking opportunity, and Alvernia students will also have the chance to win individual and team awards."

Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958. The university serves over 3,000 students in Reading, Pottsville and Philadelphia with a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts education, strong technical training in many high demand majors, ever-expanding experiential learning opportunities through study abroad and internship experiences and community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model.