Attorney Coach
An Attorney Coach guides students through learning legal principles. They assist their team with developing a strategy to present both the prosecution and defense sides of the case.
The San Diego County High School Mock Trial Committee recruits Attorney Coaches over the summer to mentor students throughout the competition season, which typically begins with team meetings and planning in late September or early October. The competition takes place over four rounds in February, followed by semifinals and a championship round. Teams are not limited in the number of Attorney Coaches they can have, though it is common for teams to have two to four coaches. Coaches advise the students on general trial techniques, procedures and on specific strategies for presenting the case. The team’s practice schedule is set up by the Teacher Advisor and Attorney Coaches, and can generally require a time commitment of a few hours per week beginning in October.
To learn more about participating in the 2024-2025 mock trial season, attorney coaches are strongly encouraged to attend a virtual Attorney Coach Orientation. Two orientation sessions are scheduled – please use the links below to register:
In order to participate as an official team coach in the 2024-2025 competition, you must complete the Attorney Coach Commitment Form as soon as possible, no later than September 27, 2024. If you are planning to coach a specific school, please include the school name. If you aren’t already working with a school, the Mock Trial Committee will work to pair you with a team in need of coaches.
Mock Trial Rules and Procedures Update Sessions – via Zoom
(Mandatory for at least one Teacher Sponsor and one Attorney Coach per team)
Wednesday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 at 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
New for the 2024-2025 season: Teacher Advisors and Attorney Coaches have access to a private web/mobile app that has all the 2024-2025 competition forms and resources in one place. You will be granted access to the app once your Commitment Form is received. If you have trouble gaining access to the app, please email sdmocktrial@gmail.com.