The Civil Law Mock Trial Team
From Left to Right: 1) Elizabeth Cook, 2) Blake Borrow, 3) Abby Bartelson (Captain), 4) Sarah Carrier, 5) Sophia Youman
The Civil Law Mock Trial Team was created in 2011 to afford students the opportunity to learn real world trial skills and participate in mock trial competitions nationally. Competitors are prepared through intensive training on how to try all aspects of a civil case. Specifically, students learn how to develop trial theory and themes, deliver persuasive opening statements and closing arguments, perform effective direct and cross examinations, as well as handle and respond to objections while applying the federal rules of evidence.
The mission of the Team is to help our students become professionals both inside and outside of the courtroom. The Team is anchored by a committed group of alumni coaches whose work turns today’s students into tomorrow’s trial attorneys. Our experienced coaches include counsel for the City of Chicago, the Public Defender’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General, and private firms that specialize in civil litigation.
Since its inception, the team has been successful in both regional and national competitions. These triumphs began with consecutive semi-final and finalist appearances by our 2011 and 2012 team in the ABA Labor and Employment Mock Trial Competition. In 2014 and 2015, the team has competed in the National Ethics Trial Competition in Sacramento, California, where the team secured the National Championship trophy in 2014 after three days of intense competition. There, one of the team members was named the Competition’s Top Advocate. In 2018, the Team represented Loyola University Chicago in the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County Competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they were named National Runner-Up, and secured a Top Advocate Award.
In their 2021-2022 season they were quarter-finalists at the Peter James Johnson Competition. In 2023, they ranked fifth at the National Ethics Trial Competition. In their recent 2023-2024 season they were Semi-Finalists at the 2024 National Ethics Trial Competition.
The Civil Law Mock Trial Team was created in 2011 to afford students the opportunity to learn real world trial skills and participate in mock trial competitions nationally. Competitors are prepared through intensive training on how to try all aspects of a civil case. Specifically, students learn how to develop trial theory and themes, deliver persuasive opening statements and closing arguments, perform effective direct and cross examinations, as well as handle and respond to objections while applying the federal rules of evidence.
The mission of the Team is to help our students become professionals both inside and outside of the courtroom. The Team is anchored by a committed group of alumni coaches whose work turns today’s students into tomorrow’s trial attorneys. Our experienced coaches include counsel for the City of Chicago, the Public Defender’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General, and private firms that specialize in civil litigation.
Since its inception, the team has been successful in both regional and national competitions. These triumphs began with consecutive semi-final and finalist appearances by our 2011 and 2012 team in the ABA Labor and Employment Mock Trial Competition. In 2014 and 2015, the team has competed in the National Ethics Trial Competition in Sacramento, California, where the team secured the National Championship trophy in 2014 after three days of intense competition. There, one of the team members was named the Competition’s Top Advocate. In 2018, the Team represented Loyola University Chicago in the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County Competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they were named National Runner-Up, and secured a Top Advocate Award.
In their 2021-2022 season they were quarter-finalists at the Peter James Johnson Competition. In 2023, they ranked fifth at the National Ethics Trial Competition. In their recent 2023-2024 season they were Semi-Finalists at the 2024 National Ethics Trial Competition.