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Talented high school students from across Imperial Valley are showcasing their skills in the annual Imperial County Mock Trial Competition at the Imperial County Courthouse. Months of preparation and practice will be put to the test as teams present cases in a real-life courtroom setting, demonstrating their understanding of legal procedures and advocacy.
Mariela Barreto, attorney coach for the Calexico High School team, said the competition gives students a chance to develop public speaking skills and experience what it’s like to be a lawyer. “The purpose of a mock trial is to teach students public speaking and, for future attorneys, to give them a glimpse of what it’s like to be an attorney,” she said.
Barreto, in her third year coaching Calexico High, added, “I feel great. The students have come a long way. They’ve learned so much over the past few months and put in a lot of hard work. They’re very excited, and I’m looking forward to the next few weeks.”
Several former students have gone on to law school and successful legal careers. “That’s the whole point of this program, to plant the seed that law could be a career option,” Barreto said.
Attorney Veronica Henderson, who is serving as the coach for Brawley Union High School’s team in the 2025–26 Imperial County Mock Trial competition, said this marks her 18th year participating in the program.
“It is a wonderful event where students, some of whom will become attorneys, all gain an incredible experience learning public speaking skills, building confidence, and overcoming fear of speaking in public, while also having a really fun time,” Henderson said. “I’m always impressed by the quality of their work and the time and effort they, along with the teacher coaches, put into making this a truly collaborative and wonderful experience in Imperial County.”
The competition features seven rounds, culminating in the championship final on February 11.
During a mock trial competition, high school teams assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses to present a fictional legal case in a real courtroom. Students must prepare opening statements, direct and cross-examine witnesses, and deliver closing arguments, demonstrating their understanding of courtroom procedures and rules of evidence.
Each team competes in multiple rounds against other schools, with judges evaluating their performance on knowledge of the law, public speaking, teamwork, and overall courtroom professionalism. The competitions are timed, structured, and designed to mirror real-life trials as closely as possible.
At the end of the competition, top-performing teams advance to championship rounds, where winners are recognized alongside all participants in a special ceremony celebrating their dedication, preparation, and growth as young legal professionals.
Winners and all participants will be recognized during a special ceremony on February 12, celebrating their dedication and hard work.
