The Illinois Trial Team is a student-run organization at the University of Illinois. Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to acquire a command of trial advocacy, litigation and legal tactics, the American criminal justice system, and critical thinking skills through collegiate mock trial competitions.

The University of Illinois Trial Team was established in 1989 by two U of I students. The program quickly became part of a nationwide movement of college mock trial. Several years later, the organization of over fifty students was consolidated and refined by U of I Professor Joseph Wenzel.

Today the Illinois Trial Team organization consists of four teams of six to ten members. These teams compete all over the country from California to Massachusetts and against a wide variety of legalistic styles and schools. 

While on the Trial Team, members will not only strengthen their public speaking, writing and critical thinking skills, but also their ability to work as a team. 

 

Our Teams

Members are stacked into four tiered teams: Blue, Orange, Silver, and Gold.

The most competitive members will be placed on Blue, while members who need more experience will be placed on Orange and Silver. Gold is a new team that has been created for the upcoming 2018-2019 season. Gold is for those wanting to participate in mock trial, but without the time commitment of the other more competitive teams. In the final part of the season, the teams compete for bids to the regional and national tournaments.

 

Join Us

The Trial Team is always looking for new members. No legal knowledge is needed to join the team. Informational nights will be held 8/30 and 8/31 at the law building with tryouts happening on 9/4, 9/8 and 9/9. You can find more information about joining the team here.  If you have any questions or are interested in joining the team, feel free to contact us here.