Mock Trial Teams

Find information about Drake Law School's two mock trial teams—the AAJ Mock Trial Team and the TYLA National Mock Trial Team.

AAJ Mock Trial Team

The AAJ Student Trial Advocacy Competition is a national trial advocacy competition for law school students. The competition includes trials built around a fictitious fact scenario including pleadings, affidavits, exhibits, and other materials. Students perform opening and closing statements, direct and cross examinations, and portray witnesses.

In each round, students present one side of a civil case. Students from a different institution present the opposing side. Judges and attorneys score student attorneys based on their ability to advocate.

Drake has won the regional title four times in the past six years and has twice reached the final round of the national tournament.

2018-19 AAJ Mock Trial Team

Hannah Early
Mary Francque
Kailey Gray
Grant Gustafson
Ben Kenkel
Connor Perry
Justus Thompson
Brennan Wells

Coaches: Matthew Eslick and Kurt Van Thomme

To learn more, contact Kurt Van Thomme (kurt.vanthomme@pioneer.com) or Matthew Eslick (mreslick@nyemaster.com).

AAJ Mock Trial Team FAQ
Past Teams

TYLA National Mock Trial Team

The Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) National Mock Trial Competition is among the oldest and most prestigious in the country, established in 1975 to encourage and strengthen students’ advocacy skills through quality competition and valuable interaction with members of the bench and bar.

All ABA-accredited law schools are invited to compete in the competition. The competition’s problem alternates between criminal and civil law. The experience mirrors a real-life trial, and witnesses are provided by the regional host. Competitors meet their witnesses for the first time shortly before each round, allowing them to hone their trial advocacy skills.

2019-20 TYLA National Mock Trial Team           

Kristy Brandt
Daniel Breitbarth
Amber Haberl
David Newkirk
Grant Rodgers
Emma Schulte
Elaina Steenson
Bryanna Walton

Coach: Kevin Hathaway

To learn more, contact Kevin Hathaway (kevin.hathaway@polkcountyiowa.gov).