Middle School Mock Trial Judges Needed! Council Bluffs (11/14), Mount Vernon (11/15), Sioux City (11/19)

As we approach the season of giving, please consider giving back to the profession by serving as a volunteer during the Iowa Middle School Mock Trial Program. Volunteers are still needed for the regional competitions listed below:

Thursday, Nov. 14 - Council Bluffs
Friday, Nov. 15 - Mount Vernon
Tuesday, Nov. 19 - Sioux City
Wednesday, Nov. 20 - Mason City
Thursday, Nov. 21 - Marshalltown
Friday, Nov. 22 - Davenport

Mock trial is designed to introduce students to the legal system by providing a challenging, academic competition. Many of Iowa's judges and lawyers had a first glimpse of the legal profession in middle school and high school through the mock trial program.

Why volunteer as a judge?
Make a difference in the lives of young Iowans. Volunteer judges provide feedback and guidance to middle school mock trial participants. Use your skills and talents to inspire potential future lawyers (and hopefully Iowa lawyers!). There are also opportunities to meet and network with professional acquaintances and others in the community. Time out of the office is well spent by elevating a good cause - developing the next generation of legal professionals. Also, you can be proud of yourself for helping Iowa's youth dream big, believe in themselves, and achieve a bright future.

What to expect as a judge?
After you register to volunteer as a judge, you will receive information from the ISBA's Assistant Executive Director Harry Shipley with details on where to be, at what time, and more. Volunteers register for two-hour increments, the time it takes for one mock trial competition. Each mock trial competition must have three judges presiding. The volunteer judges will determine who is the lead judge. Once the mock trial competition winner is announced, judges can provide their feedback to the student participants. Your two-hour volunteer commitment can inspire for a lifetime. On a separate note, serving as a volunteer judge can make for a great social post!

What resources are available for volunteer judges?
Past volunteer judges report that it is helpful to review the case materials prior to the trial. The 2024 case materials: Estate of Will Byers v. Hawkins House of Horrors are available on the ISBA website. You may also familiarize yourself with the Mock Trial Explanatory Guide and the Iowa Mock Trial Program Rules of Procedure.

How to register as a volunteer judge?
Visit the 2024 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial Tournament judges' registration page and click on the blue "Register Now" button. Input your registrant details and select the date and time that works best for your schedule. That is all you need to do to complete your registration.

Questions?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact ISBA Assistant Executive Director Harry Shipley at 515-697-7868 or at [email protected].

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