For the second year now, I served as an attorney coach for the Dorman High School Mock Trial team in Spartanburg. I can’t express how proud I am when I see all of the students’ come together in February and compete against other South Carolina High Schools. The students and coaches start in August of each school year, where the attorney coaches start teaching the students how to question witness, present evidence, and deliver opening statements and closing arguments. After the teams receive the trial packet in October, the students and coaches spend months preparing a trial presentation. 

As an attorney who regularly appears in court and has conducted trials, I know the amount of work it takes to prepare a case for trial and how stressful trials can be. I couldn’t be more impressed and proud when I see how poised and confident the students are when they are presenting their cases. My goal in coaching is to teach the students presentation and public speaking skills, while also making sure that they have as much fun as I did when I used to compete in Mock Trial. 

I am excited for the next school year and the next Mock Trial Season! 

By: Chelsea R. Rikard