Mock Trial Institute at UCLA
The Nation's Premier High School Mock Trial Program
Train with the #1 collegiate mock trial program in the country at the official Mock Trial Institute run by the UCLA Mock Trial program.
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The Mock Trial Institute is an elite one-week summer program for high school students who want to sharpen their courtroom skills, build confidence, and learn directly from national championship competitors.
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We offer:
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Two in-person sessions on the UCLA campus
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One live, interactive virtual session via Zoom
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Intensive training in trial advocacy, public speaking, legal strategy, and courtroom performance
If you are looking for the best mock trial summer camp in the United States, you’ve found it.
Why Choose UCLA's Mock Trial Institute?
Train with the Best Mock Trial Program in the Nation
The UCLA Mock Trial program is ranked #1 in the country and has won five National Championship titles. Our instructors are current competitors and alumni who have competed — and won — at the highest level of collegiate mock trial.
When you attend the Mock Trial Institute, you are not just attending a camp.
You are learning from champions.
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Students receive hands-on instruction in:
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Opening statements
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Direct and cross examinations
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Objections and evidence
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Witness preparation
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Case theory development
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Closing arguments
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Courtroom presence and performance
Our curriculum mirrors the rigor of top collegiate programs — but is designed specifically for high school students. Spots are limited in each session to maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio and ensure individualized coaching. If you are serious about improving your mock trial skills, or want to train with the best program in the country, this is the camp for you.
Program Overview
Duration
1 Week (Sunday – Saturday)
Sessions Offered
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Session A – In Person (UCLA Campus) - June 21, 2026 - June 27, 2026
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Session B – In Person (UCLA Campus) - July 5, 2026 - July 11, 2026
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Session C – Virtual (Live via Zoom) - August 2, 2026 - August 8, 2026
Students can choose the session that best fits their schedule and learning preference.​​​​
Who Should Attend?
The Mock Trial Institute is designed for:
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High school mock trial competitors
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Students interested in law, debate, or public speaking
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Future pre-law students
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Students looking to build confidence and persuasive skills
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Beginners who want a strong foundation in trial advocacy
No prior mock trial experience is required — though experienced competitors will be challenged at an advanced level.
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Application Requirements
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Students must be 15 years old by the beginning of their respective session
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Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
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Students must complete the "why MTI" and "academic integrity" questions of the application
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Students must upload proof of age and most-recent transcript
What Students Gain
Students leave the Institute with:
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Improved courtroom confidence
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Advanced understanding of trial advocacy
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Real courtroom strategy insight
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Professional-level feedback
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Stronger public speaking skills
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A competitive edge for the upcoming mock trial season
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In-Person Experience at UCLA
Students attending in person train on the campus of UCLA, one of the top universities in the world, and immerse themselves in a championship-level mock trial environment.
Tuition for the in-person session is $2,126 per student, which includes programming and housing in the UCLA residence halls.
The in-person sessions include:
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Live courtroom simulations
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Small-group instruction with a low student-to-instructor ratio
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Team scrimmages and competitive drills
Students experience the intensity, rigor, and excitement of national championship preparation—gaining skills that translate directly to competitive success in the upcoming mock trial season.
Virtual Mock Trial Experience
Our Virtual Mock Trial Camp delivers the same championship-level instruction, strategy, and intensity as our in-person program in a fully immersive online format.
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Tuition for the virtual session is $1,500 per student.
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The virtual experience includes:
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Live, interactive instruction
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Real-time performance drills and advocacy exercises
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Breakout courtroom simulations with active coaching​
Students receive rigorous, personalized instruction while benefiting from the flexibility and convenience of a remote format. The online structure also allows participants to train with peers from across the country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Mock Trial Institute different from other mock trial camps?
Students train directly with current competitors and experienced coaches who teach the same strategies used to win at the highest level of collegiate competition. Our focus is intensive, skills-based advocacy training—not just general public speaking.
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Is this camp good for beginners?
Yes. We provide structured foundational instruction for students new to mock trial, including courtroom procedure, objections, and performance basics. Advanced competitors receive high-level strategy work, case theory development, and competitive refinement.
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Do students perform a full trial?
Yes. Students participate in structured trial simulations with a final tournament on the last day of the camp. Students learn about all aspects of a trial including opening statements, the rules of evidence, direct and cross examinations, and witnessing.
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Is the virtual session interactive?
Yes. The virtual session is fully live via Zoom and includes real-time instruction, breakout room simulations, active coaching, and direct performance feedback — not prerecorded content.
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How much individual feedback do students receive?
Students work in small groups to ensure personalized coaching. Instructors provide direct critique on delivery, strategy, and courtroom presence to accelerate improvement.