Mock trial judges needed in Marshalltown and Des Moines

There are still openings for Middle School Mock Trial volunteer judging available. The regional competition in Marshalltown on Nov. 21 is still in need of volunteer judges. Registration is also still open for judging the state tournament which will take place Dec. 2 - 4 in Des Moines. Register to volunteer today.

ISBA Board of Governor Miki McGovern is a regular volunteer each year. Judging middle school mock trial is a nostalgic experience for her. "As an attorney or judge volunteering, it takes you back to remembering your first trial," she said.

ISBA Receptionist Mark McGrath has volunteered for middle school mock trial in the past. "I wanted to give back, and I also wanted to learn and see how middle school kids, you know, the future, how they compose themselves," Mark said. He added, "They were very polite, and it was apparent they spent a lot of time preparing. I was impressed!"

Mark and Miki served on a team with one other attorney volunteer, as there are three volunteer judges needed for each competition. Mark was elected to be the actual judge of the trial; the other two volunteers scored each team on their presentations.

Miki emphasized the value that legal professionals add to the students' experience, and stated, "It is very important for the students to see actual lawyers and judges volunteering and giving them suggestions and comments after they conduct their mock trials."

She also added, "And tell them that you realize how difficult the task is for them and that you recognize that they are students. Give them encouragement and let them know that you really listened to them and watched them and remind them they did outstanding jobs."

If there are some students that did especially well, Miki likes to tell them privately that they did remarkable work. She shared an example of a young woman who, when the trial started, spoke softly and was nervous. Only a couple of minutes later, she stood tall, projecting her voice, and by the end of the trial she was confident and "brilliant in delivery of her questioning," according to Miki.

"It was very much worth while to consider volunteering," explained Mark, and he suggested getting the material ahead of time to prepare. With a legal background encompassing experience in family law, small claims court mediation, and as a union representative, Mark said his familiarity with the legal process and court system was very helpful in ruling on objections, announcing court recesses, and presiding over the mock trial.

Mark anticipated the middle school students to read from a script, but that did not happen. The teams even had displays and visuals to help support their case. He said that he certainly plans to volunteer again.

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