News and Events

Team B won the prestigious Spirit of AMTA award, which is bestowed to the one team that best exemplifies professionalism, civility, justice, and fair play. The award is a unique and prestigious honor, awarded by peer teams who select a single recipient team. 

Team B also won a best witness award, presented to Nolen Heinrichs '28 for his exemplary work as a witness for both the defense and prosecution. 

“We are a very hard-working team, but above that we hold a strong respect for opponents and rules,” Heinrichs shared. “So, to be recognized for that was immensely gratifying, and I felt very proud of the team. In terms of the witness award, I felt happy to earn that award because I often feel witnessing is under respected in mock trial.”

Heinrichs expressed his thanks for his teammate, Shannon Shane '26, who wrote the direct examination for the witness role. 

Lake Forest's Team A was also successful in the competition, winning several rounds against top competition teams. 

Assistant Professor of Politics and Chair of Legal Studies Stephanie Caparelli coaches the College's mock trial teams. She expressed pride in the hard work students put in to achieve success at the competition. 

“Mock trial is a mentally exhausting team sport—and they played it at the highest level against nationally ranked teams,” Caparelli said. “This program is so special because we are of course learning trial skills and rules of evidence, but more importantly, how to zealously and passionately put on a case while playing fair, being professional, and being kind to others.” 

Each year, AMTA hosts over 700 mock trial teams from approximately 400 universities and colleges across the country. This event was hosted at University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, February 27-28.