Montana Lawyer April/May 2025

STATE BAR NEWS

Montana High School Mock Trial Champions Headed to Nationals

"It's a part of the mission of the State Bar to improve the relationship between the legal profes sion and the public, and educational programs like high school Mock Trial do just that by helping the public understand the role of the courts and how attorneys interact with them." —Ann Goldes-Sheehan, Associate General Counsel, State Bar of Montana The State Bar of Montana’s High School Mock Trial competition, held March 21–22 at the Lewis & Clark District Courthouse in Helena, brought together some of the state’s most promising young legal minds for two days of spirited courtroom competition. The event opened with a warm welcome from former State Bar President Stuart Segrest, who set the tone with a few thoughtful words on the importance of civic engagement and the value of legal education for youth. After several rounds of persuasive advocacy and razor sharp cross-examinations, the Helena High “Copper” team earned first place and will represent Montana at the National High School Mock Trial Championship, scheduled for May 7–10, 2025, at the Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix, Arizona. The national stage will give these students the chance to compete against top teams from around the country and deepen their understanding of trial procedure, case theory, and professionalism in the courtroom. During the competition, students were treated to a special lunchtime address from Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson, who was recently elected to the state’s highest judicial office. Chief Justice Swanson shared insights into his personal journey to the bench, candidly answering students’ questions like “When did you know you wanted to be an attorney?” and “What was your most interesting case?” The students clearly enjoyed the opportunity to hear from him, and many expressed appreciation for the time he took to offer tips, reflections, and encouragement. Mock Trial is more than just a contest—it’s a hands-on civics lesson that equips students with skills in critical think ing, public speaking, and collaboration while deepening their appreciation for the judicial system. Congratulations to all of this year’s teams—and a big cheer for the Helena High “Copper” team as they prepare to take the national stage in Phoenix!

State Champions Helena High “Copper” Team

Court Room Artist Winner

Award winners for best attorney and best witness

Volunteers Needed: The State Bar is looking for attorney volunteers to coach teams in communities across Montana. No prior coaching experience is required—just a passion for mentoring and a willingness to guide students through the fundamentals of trial advocacy. Interested? Email mocktrial@montanabar.org to get started.

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