Undergraduate Mock Trial Fall 2026

Who we are

Duquesne University Undergraduate Mock Trial is a student-led organization that gives students from all majors the opportunity to experience to compete in role-playing and real writing processes surrounding legal processes. Students develop skills in advocacy, public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork. As an active part of the Duquesne community, we represent the university at collegiate Mock Trial competitions and create opportunities for students to engage with the legal profession both inside and outside the courtroom. Our mission is to foster a supportive and competitive environment where students are challenged, can grow as advocates and leaders, and develop skills that extend beyond competition, into whatever careers they pursue. 

Mock Trial at Duquesne is really a family. It enhances student life by providing a welcoming, collaborative community to students; one centered around a shared interest in advocacy, competition, and the legal field. Members build meaningful friendships while practicing, competing, traveling, and representing Duquesne University. The organization gives students a sense of belonging outside the classroom and creates opportunities for students from all backgrounds to connect and work towards a common goal. Through Mock Trial, members develop valuable professional skills, gain hands-on experience, and learn how to speak public and do so under pressure. The organization is open to all students with any varying level of experience, allowing new members to learn and grow alongside returning competitors while providing opportunities to take on leadership roles.

Why we need your help

Throughout the fall and spring semesters, our organization sends over 40 students to different competitions in cities like D.C., Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, State College, and right here in Pittsburgh. These tournaments, the travel fees, and the American Mock Trial Association fees cost the club several thousand dollars each year, and we don’t ask our members to pay for this themselves. Securing funding now will allow us to continue to send students to fall tournaments and give us the resources we need to advance to Regionals, the Open Round Championship Series (ORCS), and Nationals in the spring. Since Regionals, ORCS, and Nationals are all travel competition, funding is extremely important and greatly appreciated. 

Last year, because of funding we received, we were able to send a record number of new students to tournaments, tripling our organization’s previous numbers and giving students across almost every school of study a chance to compete. This year, we’ve already doubled our numbers from last year, and continued funding will allow us to send all new and returning members to a tournament for a chance to compete, represent Duquesne, and grow their skills. 

 Get connected

Instagram: @duq.mocktrial

TikTok: @duq.mocktrial

Facebook: Duquesne Mock Trial