Upper School Mock Trial Team

Steward’s Upper School inaugural mock trial team completed its first season of interscholastic competition at the Tidewater Regional Competition at the College of William & Mary School of Law on February 1. A mock trial is a simulation of a real courtroom trial. Students take on the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and other courtroom personnel, preparing and presenting their cases before a judge and jury. 

The Steward team is coached by Attorney Daniel Herron (grandfather of Jack ’24, Nate ’28, Sam ’29, and Wes ’30) and Upper School Academic Dean Elizabeth Simpson.

Facing the #1 and #2 defending state champions, the Spartans held their own and were highly competitive. The case centered on a murder-for-hire case in the fictitious town of Morgan, Va. Although the team did not qualify for the upcoming state tournament, they earned high praise from the judges. The team had to prepare both sides of a case (defense and prosecution), with three attorneys and three witnesses per side. Adding to the challenge: Most students had two roles to prepare for! 

Several Spartans earned awards: On defense, Layla Dwelle ’28 earned a Best Attorney award and Nate Herron ’28 garnered a Best Witness award. On the two rounds running prosecution, Emory Burns ’27 and Henry Pietrantoni ’28 were named Best Witnesses, and Nate won two Top Attorney awards. The other members of this hardworking team are Noah Bender ’28, Iris English ’26, Turner Hurst ’26, Emily Stefanick ’28, and Lee Woodrum ’26.

Iris said she enjoyed the relationships that grew as a result of being on the team. “The support and excitement building up to the competition had us bouncing off the walls, as we were all rooting for each other,” she said. The mock trial coaches helped her sharpen her improvisation skills and ability to think under pressure. “At a competition, you have no idea what the other team is going to say, and responding critically on the spot is vital for mock trial. Thanks to constant practice and great coaching, my team was flexible and quick-witted at regionals.”

At the Tidewater competition, Iris played a defense attorney who represented the defendant, cross-examined the head detective on the case, and presented the closing argument. “I prepared for this role by working with Turner, who played the defendant, to coach him on the answers that would help our side of the trial,” said Iris. “I also used my theatre skills — I’ve acted in five Steward productions — to perform a dramatic, effective closing argument.”

“Our nine dedicated students worked hard, prepared well, and gave it their all,” said Mr. Herron, who served as a mock trial coach for over 20 years at Miami University. “Mock trial is an almost perfect academic activity. It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving; written and oral communication; thinking on one’s feet; advocacy and contextual adaptation; teamwork; and group strategy. Plus, it fosters a deep understanding of the U.S. legal system.” 

Students who enjoy law-centered TV shows and are prepared to commit to hard work and teammate camaraderie may want to consider joining the Steward mock trial. The 2025-26 team will form in September, and students and/or parents who would like more information can contact Mr. Herron.