By: Noah Ung, Staff-Writer

The Mills High School Mock Trial team recently finished their season, experiencing their fair share of ups and downs along the way. Despite some initial struggles– especially in terms of gathering enough team members–  the team made great progress through dedication and teamwork.

Co-captain and lawyer Abby Chai reflected on the tough start, saying, “The season was pretty tough, especially in the beginning since we almost didn’t have enough for a team, but I’m proud of the progress we made and our overall performance.” As the season progressed, team members commitment began to pick up, and their hard work payed off in competitions.

Defence attorney and Closer Jonah Zilberter highlighted the difficulty of staying consistent, especially during the three day stretch of consecutive competitions.”The most challenging part of the season was definitely trying to stay consistent,” he said. “Having everyone stick together was very important.”

Preparation was key to the team’s success. Weekly practices, additional weekend meetings, and one-on-one coaching sessions helped members refine their legal arguments and courtroom techniques. “We had two lawyers working with us this year, and I owe them quite literally EVERYTHING,” Chai shared. “They went to every practice, met with us on weekends, and even hosted one-on-one Zoom calls if we needed help.” Individual preparation also played a big role, with members memorizing lines, practicing arguments in their free time, and strategizing responses to anticipated objections.

Even though the team placed somewhat lower in their division, they showed clear improvement from last year. “I’m pretty sure we came last in the division, but it was an improvement. We had a lot more team collaboration,” Zilberter noted. While judges praised their performances, their scores highlighted areas for growth. 

Reflecting on the scoring process, Chai remarked, “Some judges definitely judge harder than others, so I don’t take scores to heart all the time.”

Beyond competition, Mock Trial gained other rewards. “The most rewarding part was getting to see everyone perform and really get into their roles,” Chai said. “The witnesses became really comfortable with their characters, and it was funny seeing them bring a different take to it.” The team grew closer, strengthening friendships along the way.

Considering the season as a whole, both Chai and Zilberter thought about what they would change if given the chance. Zilberter wished he had joined earlier to gain more experience, while Chai saw room for improvement in teamwork throughout the season.

For students thinking about joining Mock Trial next year, Zilberter had some simple yet powerful advice: “Stay committed. Even if things seem slow, it will pay off in the end.” While the Mills Mock Trial team didn’t take home a trophy, their growth, resilience, and camaraderie made this season a valuable experience for everyone involved.