Meet the Team!

Your Instructors

Meet our expert instructors who coach UCLA Mock Trial. They bring a blend of passion and experience to develop talented advocates and witnesses. Alongside our counseling team, we’ll equip you with essential speaking techniques and presentation skills that are applicable in any setting. Allow us to guide you on your journey to success in the courtroom!

Lead Instructor

Gonzalo Freixes

Professor Freixes is a California attorney, professor, and former Associate Dean of UCLA Anderson School of Management. He has been the academic advisor and director for the UCLA Mock Trial Program since 1998, during which he led UCLA Mock Trial to national championships in 2004, 2005, 2011, 2014, and 2023. Professor Freixes has been the lead instructor of MTI since 2004.

Instructor

Elizabeth Smiley

Elizabeth Smiley is a trial attorney in Los Angeles. She was a former collegiate and law-school mock trial competitor, and has coached for UCLA since 2017. In her first year as head coach, 2023, she led the team to its fifth national championship.

Witness Specialist

Andrew Moon

Andrew Moon is a former UCLA mock trial competitor, during which he witnessed on our A team. Now an Elementary Music Teacher, he coaches the top witnesses in the nation adding his patented magic to every witness he works with.

Your Counselors - UCLA Mock Trial

#1 Collegiate Mock Trial Program in the United States

UCLA Mock Trial is a vibrant community of passionate and dedicated students who thrive on teamwork and personal growth! This incredible culture has led us to astonishing five National Championship titles (2004, 2005,2011, 2014, and 2023)—the most of any program nationwide! Joining the UCLA Mock Trial family means you'll your appreciation for mock trial, discover the amazing opportunities it offers, and develop the skills you need to shine! With over two decades of experience running the Mock Trial Institute, we can't wait to meet each and every one of you!