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ISBA high school team is 7thThe Highland Park High School team that won the ISBA Mock Trial Invitational, held March 1 in Springfield, placed seventh out of 42 teams that participated in the national championship last month in Wilmington, Del. This was the 25th anniversary competition for the National High School Mock Trial Championship, which began in 1984 in DesMoines, Iowa, with only five teams. The total of 42 this year was up from 40 last year in Dallas. The top six teams in Wilmington were from Georgia, Michigan, Delaware, New Mexico, Colorado and Indiana, respectively. Midwest high schools made strong showings. In addition to Michigan, Indiana and Illinois in the top seven, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky teams placed nine through 12. “I was struck by and impressed with the intensity of the environment,” said F. Michael Alkaraki, a member of the ISBA Committee on Law Related Education for the Public who was an evaluator for the Springfield mock trials. “The level of focus, preparation and desire to compete was immediately apparent and rivaled that of any high school sporting event,” he added. Alkaraki, who practices with Leahy & Hoste in Chicago, watched coaches go over last-minute game plans, sequestered orators practicing opening and closing statements, and witnesses preparing for tough cross examinations. “Despite being a new attorney with limited trial experience, I found myself with a lot to offer in terms of guidance and constructive criticism,” he observed. “I was impressed with the responsiveness and hunger for feedback.” Alkaraki found the experience a good opportunity to give back to the profession and track his own progress, at the same time helping the LRE committee to educate the public and inspire students to pursue law careers.
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