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Young Lawyers Division. More than 300 judges and attorneys volunteer their time to work with mock trial teams as coaches and to conduct the competitions.

“The competition gives students a unique opportunity to develop public speaking and critical thinking skills while encouraging interest and an appreciation of our judicial system,” OBA Mock Trial Committee Chair Todd A. Murray said. “These skills, together with developing self-confidence, team building and leadership will benefit them in whatever career path they choose.” Owasso Coach District Judge Daman Cantrell said, “this is my 34th year to volunteer for the OBA program, and it is one of the best things the OBA does. I appreciate all of the attorney volunteers that give of their time. We have had six young people come out of our program and go on to law school and become lawyers. Even those that don’t fondly remember their experiences and appreciate the skills that they have gained and friendships made. Two of our attorney coaches, Maegan Murdock and Kaylind Baker, were on our Owasso team when they were in high school, so they’ve come full circle to giving back. “

In fact, federal judges Irwin and Goodwin pointed out to the students after the competition that they were competitors in the OBA program decades ago when they were in high school.

Tulsa lawyer Ken Underwood, also an Owasso coach, said, “The Owasso High School Mock Trial Team has taken us to the State Championship Finals eight years in a row. Every year we are amazed and inspired by the dedication, focus and talent of these young people we coach. They are simply the best. They work hard, remain focused, stay humble and always act with character and integrity. They treat each other and opposing teams with respect and kindness. As we watch them develop their courtroom skills and master the rules of evidence, we also see them develop the confidence and personal power to overcome challenges in law and in life. In every Mock Trial competition, one team wins, but no one ever loses. Every student we coach is a champion, and they always fill our hearts. The success the members of our teams have enjoyed in the courtroom is rewarding, but the success they enjoy in life is the true gift. They are the future of our profession and of our country, and the future looks brighf rom what we've seen."

In recent years, Tulsa County teams have dominated the OBA competition. Jenks, Holland Hall and Owasso have won recent championships, and Bishop Kelley has been near the top. Broken Arrow has been in the semifinals consistently. Other judges have been involved as coaches, including Judge James Bland of Macalester, Judge Douglas Kirkley of Coweta, and Judge Jill Weedon of Clinton.

Jenks’ attorney coaches were Mike Horn, Morgan Medders, Stacey Accord, and Jenny Day.

The Owasso team will compete in the National Championship tournament hosted virtually by the Michigan Bar Association on May 5-7.