The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education’s (OCLRE) High School Mock Trial is the state’s largest high school academic competition and one of the largest mock trial programs in the nation. Mock Trial offers an innovative approach to learning the law and how our legal system functions.

The mock trial teams consist of five to 12 students who serve as attorneys and witnesses in an original, unscripted case based on a pivotal constitutional issue. Students study the case and learn to present both sides before competing in two trials against opposing teams.

“These guys are the best of the best,” said Dan Kauffman, advisor for the Valley Local Schools mock trial team. “Watching them do what they do is really inspiring.”

Championship Round Held at Supreme Court of Ohio

After two days of competition among teams from 25 schools, two advanced to the final round at the Supreme Court of Ohio on March 14. Justice Patrick F. Fischer served on the panel of judges.

The reigning state champions from Summit County, Archbishop Hoban High School, successfully defended their title, defeating St. Xavier High School from Hamilton County.

A Meaningful Victory for Hoban’s Team Two

While excellence at the Ohio Mock Trial State Competition is standard for Archbishop Hoban, this year’s victory carried special significance for the winning team.

In 2013, two former Archbishop Hoban mock trial coaches, Jeffery and Margaret Schobert, were tragically killed.

“Our coaches were all friends with them, so they’ve dedicated their time and talents to this program ever since,” said sophomore Lucie Kenst. “We’re all really appreciative. They do it out of their love for the program, and they’ve been doing it for so long.”

Kenst earned the Outstanding Attorney Award during the competition.

Her teammate, sophomore Maria Brennan, explained that Jeff Schobert coached Hoban Team Two,  essentially the school’s “B team,” which made an unexpected run to the state competition and won the championship.

“That was our inspiration for the season, because we are Hoban Team Two,” Brennan said.
Neither Kenst nor Brennan were members of last year’s championship team, nor part of the school’s “A team,” but they did not let that deter them.

“I remember the first time I competed, I was shaking like a leaf. I was terrified,” Brennan said. “But now I’ve learned how to articulate my thoughts, stay calm, and be clear and concise.”

Skills Extend Beyond the Courtroom

Mock trial has given the sophomores a working knowledge of legal concepts, such as the rules of evidence, and boosted their confidence as they prepare for future careers.

“I want to be a lawyer one day,” Kenst said. “Participating in mock trial has been really fun because I get experience in a court-like setting.”

Kenst said her background in theater helped prepare her for mock trial, but the program has allowed her to apply those public speaking skills in a practical way.

“Even if law isn’t something you’re interested in, I recommend that every high schooler look into their mock trial program,” said Finn Connelly, a junior at St. Xavier High School. “It’s going to benefit me, whether it’s for scholarship interviews or any kind of public speaking down the road.”

Amaya Strickland, a junior at Valley Local Schools in Scioto County, agreed. Though she plans to pursue a career in business, Strickland said the communication skills she has developed through mock trial will help her reach her goals.

“The value of mock trial is deeply rooted in the skills students develop, such as critical thinking, public speaking, and effective communication,” said Caleb Caldwell, OCLRE communications coordinator. “Students also gain a better understanding of the law and how the judicial system works, and the interaction with experienced legal professionals serving as judges is especially meaningful for those considering a career in law.”

Broad Judicial Support Statewide

The mock trial program is made possible by more than 1,000 legal professionals across Ohio who serve as judges, competition coordinators, and team advisors.

Teams from the following schools participated in the state competition: 

• Archbishop Alter High School (Montgomery County) 
• Archbishop Hoban High School (Summit County) 
• Batavia High School (Clermont County) 
• Columbus School for Girls (Franklin County) 
• Cuyahoga Heights High School (Cuyahoga County) 
• Danville High School (Knox County) 
• Fayetteville Perry High School (Brown County) 
• Granville High School (Licking County) 
• Indian Hill High School (Hamilton County) 
• Kenston High School (Geauga County) 
• Marysville Early College High School (Union County) 
• Mason High School (Warren County) 
• North Royalton High School (Cuyahoga County) 
• Orange High School (Cuyahoga County) 
• Perkins High School (Erie County) 
• Perrysburg High School (Wood County) 
• Reading Community High School (Hamilton County) 
• Solon High School (Cuyahoga County) 
• Springfield High School (Clark County) 
• St. Xavier High School (Hamilton County) 
• Turpin High School (Hamilton County) 
• Valley Local Schools (Scioto County) 
• Warren High School (Washington County) 
• West Jefferson High School (Madison County) 
• Worthington Kilbourne High School (Franklin County) 

Next stop: Nationals

The 2026 state champion team will represent Ohio at the National High School Mock Trial Competition, May 7-9 in Des Moines, Iowa. The event is hosted by the Iowa State Bar Association.