<p>I like Mock Trial and I want to be a lawer. still, is mock trial truly representative of what it feels like to be a lawer? I'm pretty good and i have fun doing it, but sometimes i just cant shake the feeling that this is just 2 teams of high school students pretending to be witnesses and its not really like the real thing.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me how good mock trial is at determining how much we will like being lawers?</p>
<p>Also if anyone has any mock trial tips, they would be appriciated.</p>
<p>I do mock trial as well. From the attorneys I've talked to, mock trial is not like the "real thing." In civil suits, the case usually does not going to trial, considering all the extra costs. Much of being an attorney involves negotiating and brief writing, followed by more brief writing. Although, some attorneys do a fair amount of litigating, depending upon what type of law they practice. The fact remains that most attorneys do not spend much time in the courtroom; so if you want to be a lawyer, you must know how to write well.</p>
<p>Mock Trial tips (oh man, this is so nerd...lol):
*If you're making an opening or closing statement, speak slower than you think you need to.
*By the time real competitions start, have EVERYTHING memorized. Be off notes.
*On direct exam, look like you're having a conversation with your witness and LISTEN to his/her answers. Don't appear too scripted (even though you are).
*On cross exam, once again, LISTEN to the witness's answers. Have a pre-written cross, but if you discover a good line of impromptu questioning, go with that.
*Never, EVER ask "why" on cross exam. If he/she is a good witness, you will get an answer that'll eat up your time (I'm assuming you have a certain # of minutes for cross; we have 10).
*Be wary of foundation issues. Always lay a proper foundation. E.g: Q: What was Mrs. X's demeanor like in the spring of that year?
A: Well, she seemed depressed.
-->Foundation objection. You need to ask about specific instances about Mrs. X's depression in the spring before the witness can make that blanket statement.</p>
<p>That's about it for me.</p>
<p>Mock trial is only intended to represent litigation, which is one aspect of the practice of law - but many lawyers do not engage in litigation. Participation in a mock trial will teach organization of the case (done in advance of the actual trial), interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, presentation of materials/public speaking and conducting oneself in a courtroom. It also will teach some aspects of evidence (proof of facts). It will not teach other aspects of legal practice, such as writing and negotiating contracts, dealing with divorces and other family matters, preparing wills, etc., which are done in the office, not in a courtroom.</p>
<p>Some attorneys (practically) never set foot in a courtroom. others do it on a regular basis.</p>
<p>The reason youd on;t want the corss witness to talk back is because you don't want them to give you anyway to defend themselves. You wan;t to make them nervous, bind them up and try and leak a good incriminating comment on the other party. A yes or no question requires a yes or no answer so they have no chance to explain themselves.</p>