Mock trial volunteers are needed for the Alameda County Office of Education’s (ACOE) annual Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Competition, which will begin on January 31, 2017. The competition takes place over eight evenings and there is a great need for volunteer scorers (must be an attorney to volunteer). Below are the dates for the 2017 competition. Each competition night begins at 5:00 PM with a light meal (provided) and a brief orientation. Trial begins at 6 PM and is approximately two hours.

• Tuesday, January 31 (held at the County Administration Building)
• Thursday, February 2 (held at the County Administration Building)
• Tuesday, February 7 (held at the County Administration Building)
• Thursday, February 9 (held at the County Administration Building)
• Tuesday, February 14 (held at the County Administration Building)
• Thursday, February 16 (held at the County Administration Building)
• Tuesday, February 21 (Semifinal round held at Rene C. Davidson Courthouse)
• Thursday, February 23 (Final round held at Rene C. Davidson Courthouse)

This year we have students from 14 Alameda County high schools portraying the courtroom principals in an intriguing case about human trafficking and false imprisonment in the restaurant industry. The pretrial argument involves issues around the Fourth and Fifth Amendment. 

To participate as a volunteer, please fill out the volunteer form here. Sign up for as many evenings as you can, and if you would, please share this volunteer opportunity with your colleagues. Once your participation is confirmed, you will be sent a packet including this year’s case and the scoring/evaluation documents. 

This event is volunteer-driven, so your participation is highly valued. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Daniela Meza-Gray or Katrielle Veslenio at harleymocktrialcompetition@gmail.com. Thank you for your assistance with this education and inspiring competition.