UCLA Mock Trial Institute
The Nation's Premier High School Mock Trial Camp
Train with the top collegiate mock trial program in the country at the official UCLA Mock Trial Institute run by the UCLA Mock Trial program.
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The UCLA 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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Students ages 15-18 can choose from two in-person session on UCLA's campus or one live online session this summer.
If you are looking for the best mock trial summer camp in the United States, you’ve found it.
Choose Your Institue Session
The UCLA Mock Trial Institute is a one-week summer program for high school students ages 15–18. Students may train in person on UCLA’s campus or join our live, interactive online session from anywhere.
Sessions Offered
Session
Format
Dates
Tuition
Session A
In Person at UCLA
June 21–27
$2,126
Session B
In Person at UCLA
July 5-11
$2,126
Session C
Live Online via Zoom
August 2-8
$1,500
In-person tuition includes programming and housing in the UCLA residence halls.
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Each session is intentionally limited to maintain a focused, high-quality learning environment.
Why Choose UCLA's Mock Trial Institute?
The UCLA Mock Trial is the top program in the country and has won five National Championship titles. At the UCLA Mock Trial Institute, high school students learn directly from current competitors, alumni, and coaches who have competed at the highest level of collegiate mock trial.
Our program offers rigorous, performance-based training adapted specifically for high school students. Participants learn how to analyze a case, build persuasive arguments, perform with confidence, and think strategically in a competitive courtroom setting.
This is not a passive summer class. Students practice, perform, receive feedback, and improve throughout the week.
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This program was formerly called the UCLA Summer Sessions Mock Trial Institute. We're the same program, just run out of the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Is This Program Right for You?
The UCLA Mock Trial Institute is designed for high school students interested in law, debate, public speaking, leadership, performance, or competitive academic experiences.
No prior mock trial experience is required. Beginners receive structured instruction in courtroom procedure, objections, trial structure, and performance. Experienced competitors are challenged with advanced strategy, case theory, witness control, and courtroom presence.
Students leave the Institute with:
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Stronger public speaking skills
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Greater confidence performing under pressure
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A deeper understanding of trial advocacy
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Practical experience building and delivering arguments
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Professional-level feedback from championship competitors
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A competitive edge for mock trial, debate, interviews, and leadership opportunities
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Application Requirements
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Students must:
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Be 15 years old by the beginning of their session
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Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
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Complete the “Why MTI” and academic integrity questions
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Upload proof of age and their most recent transcript
What Students Actually Do
Students do not just learn about mock trial. They practice it every day.
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During the program, students:
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Analyze a full case packet
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Develop case themes and trial strategy
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Write and deliver opening statements and closing arguments
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Practice direct and cross examinations
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Learn objections, evidence, and courtroom procedure
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Perform as both attorneys and witnesses
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Receive direct coaching after drills and trial simulations
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Compete in final trial rounds at the end of the week
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The program is active, challenging, and performance-based. Students improve through repetition, coaching, and live feedback.
Choose the Format that Fits
Both the in-person and virtual programs offer live instruction, trial simulations, direct coaching, and championship-level mock trial training.
In-Person Mock Trial Camp at UCLA
​Students attending in-person train on UCLA’s campus and experience the energy of a residential summer program. In-person participants take part in live courtroom simulations, small-group instruction, team scrimmages, competitive drills, and final trial rounds.
Choose the in-person session for:
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A residential UCLA campus experience
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In-person coaching and team-based activities
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Live courtroom simulations and performance drills
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A more immersive summer program environment
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Tuition for each in-person session is $2,126, which includes programming and housing in the UCLA residence halls.
Live Online Mock Trial Camp via Zoom
​Our virtual program delivers live, interactive mock trial instruction in an online format. Students participate in real-time performance drills, advocacy exercises, breakout courtroom simulations, and active coaching.
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Choose the live online session for:
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Championship-level instruction from home
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A flexible option for summer schedules or travel limitations
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Live coaching, instruction, and interactive courtroom simulations​
Tuition for the virtual session is $1,500. The virtual program is run by our partner organization, LA Mock Trial, and features the same instructors and counselors as our in-person programs.​
The Application Process
The application process is designed to be straightforward.
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1. Choose a Session
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Select the in-person or online option that best fits your schedule.
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2. Submit the Application
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Complete the short application questions and upload the required materials.
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3. Receive Acceptance and Payment Link
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Students receive an email with their acceptance within a week of submitting the application. We will send all accepted students next steps including link for payment of program fees. We cannot guarantee enrollment until all program fees are paid.
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4. Prepare for the Program
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Before each session begins, participants receive details about scheduling, arrival, housing, or online access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need prior mock trial experience?
No. The UCLA Mock Trial Institute is designed for both beginners and experienced competitors. Beginners receive structured instruction in the fundamentals of trial advocacy, while advanced students are challenged with higher-level strategy, performance coaching, and case theory development.
What age students can attend?
The program is designed for high school students ages 15–18. Students must be at least 15 years old by the beginning of their session.
What will students learn?
Students learn the core skills of mock trial and trial advocacy, including opening statements, closing arguments, direct examination, cross examination, objections, courtroom procedure, witness performance, case theory, and persuasive speaking.
Will students perform in a full trial?
Yes. Students work through a full case during the week and perform in final trial rounds at the end of the program.
Is the virtual program live and interactive?
Yes. The live online session is interactive and includes real-time instruction, breakout courtroom simulations, performance drills, and individualized feedback. It is not a prerecorded course.
Who teaches the program?
Students learn from UCLA professors as well as coaches and alumni of the UCLA Mock Trial program. The counselors are all competitors connected to UCLA's mock trial program, one of the most successful collegiate mock trial programs in the country.
What makes this different from other summer programs?
The UCLA Mock Trial Institute combines championship-level instruction, live performance training, small-group coaching, and a full mock trial experience. Students do not simply study law or watch lectures — they actively practice advocacy, receive feedback, and perform.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition for each in-person session is $2,126, which includes programming and housing in the UCLA residence halls. Tuition for the live online session is $1,500.
What are the session dates?
The in-person sessions are June 21–27 and July 5–11. The live online session is August 2–8.