OHIO Mock Trial junior counsel students
OHIO Mock Trial Team

Mock Trial Team

Learn the Law. Build Advocacy Skills. Compete Nationwide.

The Ohio University Mock Trial Team provides students with a hands-on introduction to litigation through intercollegiate mock trial competition. Students assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses, analyze case materials, develop legal arguments, and compete against colleges and universities from across the country.

Mock Trial is one of the most engaging experiential learning opportunities available to students interested in law, public service, advocacy, criminal justice, political science, communications, and related fields. No prior experience is required.

  • Why Join Mock Trial?

    Participation on the OHIO Mock Trial Team helps students develop:

    • Public speaking and oral advocacy skills
    • Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
    • Knowledge of trial procedure and courtroom strategy
    • Understanding of rules of evidence
    • Teamwork and leadership abilities
    • Confidence in professional settings
    • Preparation for law school and legal careers

    Mock Trial provides a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning in a competitive and collaborative environment while building friendships and professional connections that last well beyond graduation.

  • What Team Members Do

    Throughout the academic year, team members:

    • Review and analyze a fictional legal case released annually for competition
    • Prepare opening statements and closing arguments
    • Conduct direct and cross-examinations
    • Learn and apply rules of evidence
    • Practice witness performance techniques
    • Compete in invitational and regional tournaments

    Students gain practical experience similar to the work performed by litigators while developing transferable skills valued in virtually every profession.

 

Competitions

The OHIO Mock Trial Team competes through the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), facing teams from colleges and universities throughout the United States. Team members have opportunities to travel, represent Ohio University, and test their advocacy skills in a highly competitive environment.

Athens County Courthouse

Join the Team

Tryouts are held early each fall semester and are open to students of all majors and academic backgrounds.

Whether your goal is law school, public service, business, politics, or simply improving your communication skills, Mock Trial offers an exceptional opportunity to learn by doing.

For information about tryouts, practices, or upcoming events, contact: Larry Hayman, Esq. at hayman@ohio.edu.

Katie Buschle, mock trial team member

Mock Trial Coaches

Head Coach

Larry Hayman, Esq.

Larry Hayman, Esq. is Director of Legal Engagement & Pre-Law Program at Ohio University and founding coach of the OHIO Mock Trial Team. Prior to joining the Center for Law, Justice & Culture, he was a civil litigator for eight years in Franklin County at The Law Firm of Hayman & Kelley and later, Hayman Law. A licensed Ohio attorney and Ohio University alumnus, Hayman has coached the team since 2015 and is committed to providing students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for success in law school, graduate study, and professional careers.

He earned his J.D. from The Ohio State University Mortiz College of Law, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. He is licensed to practice law in Ohio and before the United States District Court in the Southern District of Ohio.

Assistant Coach

Charles Cohara, Esq.

Charles Cohara joins the program after more than two decades as a legal aid attorney in southeastern Ohio, where he serves as Senior Attorney II and co-chair of the Rural Consumer Team at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio's Athens office. He represents clients across seven counties in housing, consumer protection, and domestic violence matters. He also regularly trains new attorneys through the agency's New Attorney Training Program, which includes intensive litigation and trial skills development.

A four-year collegiate mock trial competitor at Miami University, he qualified for the national tournament all four years and finished in the top ten as a senior. He earned his B.A. with honors in History and Psychology from Miami and his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati.

Cohara has volunteered with mock trial programs at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels for decades, and has judged and guest lectured for Ohio University's program since its early years. He previously served as vice chair of the board of the Southern Ohio Copperheads.

He lives in Athens with his son and his wife, Julie (M.A. '13), who works in University College.

Verdict: First Place for OHIO Mock Trial at SUNY-Buffalo Invitational

Ohio University Mock Trial Team competed successfully in November's “Buffalo Bullpen” Mock Trial Invitational Competition
About the Mock Trial Team Win

Contact Us

Email: ohiouniversitymocktrial@gmail.com

Follow the OHIO Mock Trial Team on Instagram for announcements regarding tryouts, competitions, and events.

Latest News

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Emily Stokes’ journey is a prime example of how Ohio University strives to give students a solid educational experience while also providing them with opportunities to grow through its external partnerships.
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Summer Law and Trial Institute inspires Ohio high school students to pursue law, public service and justice

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For two weeks this summer, high school students from across Ohio explored the legal profession, developed advocacy skills and gained firsthand exposure to the justice system through Ohio University's Summer Law & Trial Institute (SLTI).
Larry Hayman, Esq.

Hayman named to OSBA Board as CLJC receives grant support

June 24, 2026

Larry Hayman, Esq., director of legal engagement and the Pre-Law Program at Ohio University, has been appointed to serve on the Ohio State Bar Association’s Board of Governors for the 2026-2029 term.