Volunteer

To make its Mock Trial, Debate, and We the People programs successful, Civics First needs assistance throughout the school year from attorneys, judges, law students, and educators. No experience is necessary, and we promise that you'll find the experience a rewarding one.

 

MOCK TRIAL:

I'm excited to announce that the Connecticut High School Mock Trial Competition, sponsored by Civics First and the Connecticut Bar Association, is back in person for the 2022-2023 season after a two year switch to virtual caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful to all of the attorneys, judges and law students who join us each year to teach high school and middle school students about the rule of law and the operation of the court system by volunteering to judge mock trial. Please join us to judge a trial (or a few trials) at the following locations:

Stamford/Norwalk: Friday, December 2 (Trials at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM)

Manchester: Tuesday, December 6 or Tuesday, December 13 (5:30-9 PM)

Waterbury: Friday, December 9 (Trials at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM)

Danbury, Tuesday, December 13 (Trials at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM)

Hartford: Friday, December 16 (Trials at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM)

Middletown: Wednesday, December 14 and Wednesday, December 21 (1:30-5 PM)

New Britain: Tuesday, December 20 (Trials at 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM)

 

To register, please use this link to the CBA's registration system. As always, lunch and snacks will be provided for all volunteers. This year's case is Swift v. Smythe, which will introduce our students to very timely election law concepts in a hotly disputed municipal election. After you register, we'll be in touch with more information about parking and orientation for your selected days and times. 

The efforts of the volunteer attorneys and judges make the mock trial program a unique opportunity for students around the state, many of whom join the pipeline of the next generation of lawyers. I hope you'll able to join us in the courthouses this year!

 

DEBATE:
More information coming soon!