Page 15 - November December CBA Report

“Reading was inspirational because it
was a working and middle-class school.
They competed with large private schools
and won,” Simon said. The program
created opportunities for students who
may not have explored a career in law.
One of his students became the first in
her family to attend college and went on
to become a lawyer.
Simon noted the position isn’t
limited to litigators. “Any lawyer can be
a legal advisor,” he explained. “Litiga-
tors may have an easier time, but with
the right coach and motivated students,
any attorney can help.” While it was a
time commitment, Simon describes it as
one of the most rewarding experiences
of his career. “It
was always a great
group of kids.”
O n e o f
Simon’s former
students, Ben
Sandlin, is now
a Visiting Assis-
tant Professor at
Miami Univer-
sity and a member
of OCLRE’s Case
C o m m i t t e e .
Sandlin’s legal
aspirations started
at Reading High
School after her
DISTRICT:
In January, each team
participates in the
statewide competition.
took on the role
of a lawyer for
a fake Supreme
Court case for
history class.
“The history teacher was the Mock
Trial coach,” recalled Sandlin.
“I was actually a science kid, but after that
experience, my teacher encouraged me to
join the Mock Trial team.”
He competed for three years, then
continued Mock Trial at Miami University
while pursuing his chemistry degree. By
his sophomore year, he knew he wanted to
go to law school. He also knew he wanted
a career that would allow him to coach a
team.
Sandlin began coaching while still in
college, working with Talawanda High
School. After graduation, he transitioned
to coaching at the collegiate level. Since
2016, he has coached Miami University’s
Mock Trial program and now helps write
the cases that high school students argue
each year.
There are many benefits being involved
in Mock Trial according to Sandlin.
“Participating in a mock trial is an
extremely beneficial jump ahead to liti-
gating and going to court,” he said. “It
teaches you how to think quickly, some-
thing you can’t learn from a book. And as
a coach, modeling cross-examinations or
teaching objections keeps me sharp. It’s
not a drain, it’s refreshing.”
The Lasting Impact on
Students and Volunteers
Stories like Simon’s and Sandlin’s show
the impact of Mock Trial. For students, the
At a Glance
High School Mock Trial immerses students in the legal system through a simulated,
unscripted trial where they serve as attorneys, witnesses, and court staff. Each
year, OCLRE and volunteers create a new case based on a constitutional issue.
Teams are randomly paired against another team, switching sides and opponents in
each trial. A panel of two to three volunteers serves as judges during the trial and
evaluates student performance. Each team has between five and twelve students.
Competition structure:
REGIONAL:
In February, advancing
teams compete at the
regional level.
program builds confidence, helps develop
critical thinking, and enhances commu-
nication skills. While some alumni of
the program go onto law school, but even
those who don’t learn lessons and skills
they use in their careers.
Dauterman has seen the influence
firsthand. “I was at an Ohio State football
game when a young man recognized me,”
he recalled. “He came up and said, ‘You
were our mock trial judge. You were our
favorite judge.’ I’ve had others come up to
me on the street. It’s made an impact on
them, that is very clear.”
For volunteers, the rewards are just as
meaningful. Judges and advisors witness
students grow in skill and confidence over
the course of a few months. They also play
a direct role in developing the next gener-
ation of potential lawyers and leaders.
Despite its size and success, Mock
Trial’s biggest ongoing challenge is finding
enough volunteers. “You don’t have to be
a litigator to be a judge or an advisor,”
Dauterman emphasized. “Paralegals, law
students, anyone with legal training can
help. Every shift makes a difference.”
Sandlin agrees. “The number one
thing I hear is, ‘I don’t have the time,’” he
said. “But it’s worth the time if you have
it.”
For attorneys and legal professionals,
volunteering with Mock Trial is a great
way to give back. The program provides an
educational experience and is a commu-
nity service. It
connects students,
teachers, attor-
neys, and judges
in civic education.
An Open
Invitation to
Give Back
Mock Trial
is more than just
a competition.
STATE:
In March, regional
winners advance to
the State Competition,
hosted in Columbus over
a three-day period.
It’s a place where
students learn
real-life skills,
gain a better
u nder s t a nd i ng
of how our legal
system works,
and connect with
people in the legal
community. But the program depends on
volunteers to keep it going.
Whether you can give a few hours to
judge a trial or a few months to advise
a team, your time and expertise make a
difference. “Watching students stand in
a courtroom, argue cases, and grow in
confidence, it makes the time worth it.”
To learn how to become a volun-
teer, please email ebarnes@cincybar.org.
To learn more about this year’s Mock Trial
case, turn to page 16.
Erica Monttinen is the Communication and
Membership Specialist at the CBA.
THE REPORT | November/December 2025 | CincyBar.org 15