Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior mock trial experience to compete?

No prior experience is necessary! Many of our most succesful members joined us with little to no experience. We will explain relevant information before tryouts, and provide workshops for additional help as necessary.

What is the time commitment for being on the competition team?

Competition teams will meet for a minimum of four-hours every week, but additional meetings are often scheduled for specific subsets of the team. We tend to meet a lot more than twice a week leading up to competition, and as each member is responsible for perfecting multiple roles, there is significant work outside of meetings as well.

Competitions themselves are held on weekends and require competitors to be available all day Saturday and Sunday on competition weekends.

It’s a large time commitment— but worth it!

Can I still compete if I’m on co-op?

Members on co-op in or near Boston who are still able to make both meetings and competitions can be on the competition team.

What roles are available?

There are two kinds of roles: attorneys and witnesses. Attorneys perform opening statements, direct and cross examinations, and closing arguments, and witnesses act as various characters involved in the case.

What is the structure of the competitive season?

From October-January, various colleges host invitationals to prepare for AMTA tournaments. Regionals are in February, Opening Round Championships are in March, and Nationals are in April.