High School Programs

Do you love mock trial? Do you wait with anticipation for the next season to begin and a new case to be released? Are you considering a career in law or interested in learning more about the American judicial system? Do you want to build your skills in public speaking, presentation, and critical analysis?

Then join us for Top Mock, one of the oldest and most prestigious summer programs for high school mock trial competitors. For more than 20 years, Top Mock has taught advanced trial advocacy skills to some of the nation’s finest mock trial participants.

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Top Mock Dates

July 6-13, 2024

Top Mock will be held in person and on the Furman University campus. The program cost is $2,000 (housing, meals, and transportation to and from Greenville-Spartanburg Airport provided). Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Accepted students are required to pay a program deposit of $200 to secure a spot in the program.

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Applications for Top Mock 2024 are now closed.

Top Mock Online Academy

What: An excellent and cost-effective opportunity to improve mock trial skills in preparation for the next season of high school mock trial.

Utilizing the mock trial competition, coaching, and leadership skills of three of Furman’s recent graduates: Erica Daly Peiper ’22, Marra Edwards ’23, and Araceli Cooper Ubl ’24, students will experience what it is like to prepare a case for a tournament. The Academy will make use of the 2022 American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) National Championship case, which was a criminal matter. The Academy’s instructors bring experience as counselors in previous Top Mock programs, both on-line and in-person and are veterans of competitions in both formats.

Students will work in teams of eight preparing both sides of the cases that culminate in two trials on Saturday, July 13.

Applications are competitive and accepted on a first-come basis. The ideal applicant brings previous experience on a high school mock trial team or plans to compete in mock trial during the 2024-2025 season.

When: Saturday, July 6 to Saturday, July 13.

The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7, NOON-600 PM, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
Monday, July 8-Friday July 12, students will meet in one of two three-hour blocks: 9-NOON EDT or 500-800 PM EDT. Blocks will be assigned one block which they must attend on Saturday, but are welcome to attend both.
Trials will be held on Saturday, July 13, from 900-NOON and 200-500. Times may be adjusted to accommodate the time zones of those in the Academy.

How: On-line instruction via ZOOM.

Cost: $300, which is due by Friday, June 14

Application deadline: Friday, June 14

Questions: Angie Littlejohn, Furman University Mock Trial Head Coach, angela.littlejohn3@furman.edu

Applications for Top Mock Online Academy 2024 are now closed.

What is Top Mock?

Top Mock is a highly selective program administered by Furman’s award-winning collegiate Mock Trial team. The program is designed for high school students who have competed in mock trial tournaments (particularly the Empire Tournaments, Gladiator Tournaments, State Championships, or National Championship). Top Mock participants receive a week of training and instruction from Furman’s experienced mock trial coaches and competitors.

“Furman Top Mock genuinely transformed my pre-professional life and catapulted my skills to a new level. We acquired abilities that most prospective lawyers do not learn until law school. We were rigorously trained to tear apart cases, prepare directs, prepare crosses, and execute statements within a matter of days. I would recommend this incredible learning experience to any mock trial participant.” Araceli Carmen Cooper, JH Rose High School (Greenville, NC)

“Furman’s Top Mock summer program helped me improve my mock trial skills significantly. I learned to write high-quality questions that resulted in effective direct examinations. Additionally, the program improved my time management skills. Overall, I had an amazing time at Top Mock; I learned a lot, met great people, and enjoyed myself a great deal.” Bridget Schumacher, Indian Hill High School (Cincinnati, OH)

“As an attorney coach for a competitive high school mock trial team and a parent, I could not be happier that my daughter asked to attend Top Mock this past summer. She was able to argue a pre-trial motion which really kick started her in a pre-trial role this season. But the greatest gift was the opportunity to immerse herself with other like-minded teenagers, and the confidence she gained by working hard and proving herself in a demanding but supportive environment. I highly recommend Top Mock to anyone interested in taking their skills to the next level.” Lisa Rothstein, Coach, Dos Pueblos High School (Santa Barbara, CA)

Top Mock Instruction

Top Mock participants polish their knowledge of evidentiary rules, learn advanced techniques in crafting direct and cross-examinations, and acquire sophistication in developing witness portrayals. This advanced-skills program focuses on both the substantive aspects of preparing a case as well as presentation techniques under the supervision of seasoned litigators and acting professionals.

Top Mock participants will prepare the same case that is being argued at the 2024 Gladiator tournament. During the week, participants will be trained as attorneys and witnesses and work within a team to develop a case presentation.

At the end of the week, students argue their case in the Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. U.S. Courthouse in downtown Greenville. It’s an opportunity to join forces with other top-flight mock trial participants that you normally only see on the opposing counsel team.

Top Mock Faculty

Regardless of your future goals, Top Mock provides an unparalleled opportunity to hone skills in speech, critical thought, and teamwork that will not only help you develop advanced mock trial skills, but also provide a solid foundation for a college career.

Top Mock participants receive a week of training and instruction from Furman’s experienced mock trial faculty and students.