Tournaments
Tournaments take place throughout the year and across the country. This past year, HLSMTA competed in five tournaments. In particular, this spring, HLSMTA competed in the National Trial Competition (NTC) and the Student Trial Advocacy Competition (STAC).
The NTC is co-hosted by the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers. The competition begins in November, when the problem is released. Schools may send up to two teams of 2-3 students each to compete in the regional phase of the competition in early February. The top two teams out of each of the 14 regions advance to the national phase, held in Texas in March.
STAC is sponsored by the American Association of Justice. Like NTC, schools may send up to two teams to the regional phase of the competition. Only one team from each region advances to nationals.
This fall, we are expanding our attendance at other trial advocacy competitions across the country.
The NTC is co-hosted by the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers. The competition begins in November, when the problem is released. Schools may send up to two teams of 2-3 students each to compete in the regional phase of the competition in early February. The top two teams out of each of the 14 regions advance to the national phase, held in Texas in March.
STAC is sponsored by the American Association of Justice. Like NTC, schools may send up to two teams to the regional phase of the competition. Only one team from each region advances to nationals.
This fall, we are expanding our attendance at other trial advocacy competitions across the country.
Roles
Students act as attorneys, conduct direct and cross examinations, and deliver opening and closing statements. Occasionally, tournaments require teams to provide their own witnesses. In that event, students will take turns playing both witness and attorney roles.
Cases
Both civil and criminal cases are tried in competitions each year. The National Trial Competition alternates between civil and criminal problems. The AAJ Student Trial Advocacy Competition always involves a civil case.
Sound like fun?
Whether you are interested in sharpening your trial advocacy skills or just exploring this exciting career path, we want you. Join us!