Embracing the Challenge to Grow

HPU STUDENTS LEAD FIRST Mock Trial Scrimmage ON CAMPUS TO GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE

2022-23

Front Row: Liv Gardner, Aly Patterson, Courtney Young, Chakyia Lee, Benjamin Atkinson, Taylor Hawkins, Ashley Damm, and Jessica Ashe Back Row: Jacob Dillman, Wes Singer, Matt Gray, Brady Rotello, and Nate Ledford

On the morning of January 21st, Phillips Hall had a palpable energy.

Nervous pacing, paper shuffling, and low voices filled the lobby as Mock Trial team members rehearsed their case material one last time. Teams from Wake Forest University and UNC-Charlotte traveled to HPU’s campus to participate in the event. In just a few moments, they would disperse and court would be in session.

At HPU, Mock Trial is an unique class designed to prepare students for a career in law. As part of the course offerings for the Legal Studies minor and Pre-Law Track, Mock Trial is more than just a class - it’s a program that teaches critical thinking and prepares students for the rigors of law school.

“In Mock Trial, students learn the amount of time, effort, and attention to detail courtroom work requires,” says Dr. Scott Ingram, associate professor of criminal justice and Pre-Law advisor. Dr. Ingram is also the faculty lead for HPU’s Mock Trial teams.

Pivotal Opportunity

HPU’s Mock Trial program was pivotal in attracting Jacob Dillman and Liv Gardner to the University. Having competed on their respective high school Mock Trial teams, they both wanted to continue building real life skills while in college.

Dillman, a junior majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Legal Studies and Social Innovation, credits the program with helping him to develop a myriad of skills. “I’ve gained a lot of skills by participating in Mock Trial,” he says. “Skills like public speaking, leadership, delegation, and team building. It’s nice to be supported by a group of peers who share similar interests and future goals.”

Dillman’s passion for the program is echoed by Gardner, who is also a junior. As a Pre-Law student, Gardner is majoring in Spanish and Journalism while minoring in Legal Studies. “I have developed and honed the ability to think on my feet and improvise,” she says. “Those skills expand across fields and help me in interviews, classrooms, and the courtroom.”

Now, Dillman and Gardner lead and mentor other students through the program as co-captains for HPU’s A Team.

Preparing for Regionals

Mock Trial is almost a year long commitment. Beginning in August, students receive case material and begin preparing for February’s Regional Tournament. This year, students wanted to take the program one step further and host HPU’s first Mock Trial Scrimmage.

According to Gardner, hosting a scrimmage on campus was a natural next step. “It gave a whole new perspective to the competition. We were able to see our progress as well as the areas that we needed to improve on before Regionals.”

On Tournament weekend, Feb. 18-19, eighteen teams from the east coast traveled to UNC Chapel Hill to compete in the 2023 American Mock Trial Association’s Regional Tournament.

HPU’s teams competed against Duke University, George Washington University, NC State, and UNC, Chapel Hill among others for a chance to advance to the next round of competition in Greenville, SC. Dillman and Gardner’s A Team was dealt one of the hardest schedules in the competition and in the final round lost to Duke University, barely missing qualifying for the next round.

Despite the disappointment of not advancing, Gardner and Dillman are already looking towards next year. As Dillman reflects, “What brings me back year after year is my teammates. I enjoy the relationships that I have been able to make throughout the program. This experience has shaped me to become a better student and person.”

Mock Trial is open to all students with sophomore standing. To learn more, reach out to Dr. Scott Ingram at ringram@highpoint.edu.

Liv Gardner, ‘24

Received “Best Witness” Award at the 2023 AMTA Regional Tournament

Spanish and Journalism Major Legal Studies Minor Pre-Law Track

Jacob Dillman, ‘24

5 Year Mock Trial Veteran

Started a Mock Trial team at Southwest Guilford High School

Criminal Justice Major Legal Studies Minor

Social Innovation Minor