NHSMTC

Sign Up to Judge or Volunteer

Sign Up to Judge or Volunteer

The National High School Mock Trial Championship relies on the dedication of volunteer judges and event staff to deliver a rigorous, fair, and meaningful competition experience.

Each year, attorneys, judges, and community volunteers come together to evaluate student performances, provide feedback, and support teams from across the country. Your participation ensures that the competition reflects the professionalism, integrity, and educational value of the legal system it seeks to model.

Whether you are serving in the courtroom or assisting behind the scenes, your time and expertise make a lasting impact, and you will leave inspired by the skill, preparation, and dedication of the students you meet.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Support civic education and student development
  • Engage with high-achieving students from across the country
  • Contribute to a nationally recognized academic competition

Volunteer to Judge the National Championship

Volunteer judges are essential to the success of the competition. Judges observe trial rounds, assess student performance, and provide constructive feedback as students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses.

No prior mock trial judging experience is required. Orientation and training materials are provided in advance so you can participate with confidence.

What to Expect

  • Multiple rounds held over the course of the competition
  • Flexible scheduling based on your availability
  • Orientation and case materials provided in advance
  • Opportunities to provide feedback directly to students
  • Judges must be licensed attorneys or judges to serve as scoring panel members.

Register to Judge

Register through Tabroom, the official competition management platform.

  • SIGN UP NOW
  • Create or log in to your Tabroom account.
  • Search for “National High School Mock Trial Championship.”
  • Select “Volunteer Sign Up.”
  • Choose “Judge Panel Members.”
  • Indicate your availability and complete registration. You will receive updates and communications through Tabroom leading up to the competition. For assistance, please contact NHSMTC@iowabar.org.

Judging Roles

Presiding Judge

 Presiding judges are legal professionals who preside over the courtroom proceedings. They welcome everyone and oversee all trial matters, including objections. A suggested script will be provided. They will also have an opportunity to provide feedback to the teams at the end of the round. They will score student performance; however, that score will only be used in an emergency, should a Scoring Judge be unable to complete their ballot.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of and experience working in the legal field, specifically knowledge of courtroom procedure and objections
  • Experience judging high school mock trial
  • Willingness to invest time into learning the NHSMTC case materials
  • Willingness to attend a judges’ orientation in advance of the event
  • A desire to support and encourage students’ learning and development
  • Sitting and retired judges who fulfill the qualifications listed above will be given preference

Scoring Judge

Scoring judges must be licensed attorneys or judges who will assess and score student and team performance. Each courtroom will have three scoring judges. In addition to scoring, scoring judges will have the opportunity to provide feedback to teams at the end of the round.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a licensed attorney
  • Knowledge of and experience working in the legal field
  • Willingness to invest time into learning the NHSMTC case materials
  • Willingness to attend a judges’ orientation in advance of the event
  • A desire to support and encourage students’ learning and development

Courtroom Liaison

Courtroom liaisons are familiar with court procedures and courtroom layout and assist the presiding and scoring judges during a round. They escort the presiding and scoring judges to the appropriate courtroom, serve as a contact with the Nationals board in the event a board member is needed in the courtroom, ensure that all ballots are submitted at the end of the round, and collect any materials that need to be turned in from the round. The liaison may also be required to “open” the round and announce the presiding judge. Each courtroom will have one courtroom liaison.

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of how a courtroom functions
  • Organizational skills
  • Willingness to attend a courtroom liaison orientation in advance of the event
  • A desire to support and encourage students’ learning and development

Support the Championship Behind the Scenes

In addition to judging, a wide range of volunteer roles help ensure the competition runs efficiently and provides a positive experience for all participants.

  • Assist with event setup and materials distribution
  • Welcome teams, judges, and participants
  • Provide initial guidance and support
  • Direct participants between venues and courtrooms
  • Assist with transitions between rounds and events
  • Staff the tournament desk, answering questions and addressing issues
  • Assist with event setup and breakdown
  • Support receptions and hosted events
  • Provide general logistical support throughout the competition
  • Visit the upcoming Championship Competition Sites for volunteer opportunities. 

Judge or Volunteer Locally