A Week at MTI
One week. One case. Every skill you need to try the case. Here's how your week builds, from your first lecture to the final tournament, in person at UCLA or live online.
Lectures
Our lectures walk you through every part of a trial: direct examination, cross-examination, expert witnesses and impeachment, opening statements, closing arguments, and two sessions on objections and the rules of evidence. They're taught by lawyers, UCLA professors, alumni of Mock Trial at UCLA, and current competitors. After each one, you go straight into team workshops to put it into practice.
Team Workshops
Work in a team of 10–13 students with your own counselors from Mock Trial at UCLA. Over more than a dozen workshop sessions, you'll build a case for both the prosecution and the defense, write your speeches and examinations, and get feedback on substance, performance, and delivery.
Careers in Law Panel
In a moderated panel, attorneys and alumni (and, in some years, judges) talk about how to prepare for law school, what life as a lawyer is really like, how to find your path in the law, and where the profession is headed. Then it's your turn: bring your questions.
Scrimmages
Before the tournament, your team runs practice scrimmages, then debriefs with your coaches, so you walk into the final rounds ready.
Westwood Village (in-person sessions)
Trade the courtroom for Westwood Village, UCLA's neighborhood just off campus. You'll explore with your counselors, share a team lunch, browse the shops, visit local museums, and stop at Diddy Riese, the cookie and ice cream sandwich shop that's been a UCLA favorite since 1983.
Final Tournament
The week ends with two full trial rounds. You and your team will prosecute or defend our fictional case in front of lawyers and judges, then celebrate at the awards ceremony. Families are welcome to watch: in person at UCLA, or on Zoom for the online session.