Law & Mock Trial Programs & Competitions for High School Students

Mock trial, moot court, We the People, and university law institutes give future attorneys the evidence trail — advocacy, argument, and constitutional literacy — years before law school.

Pre-law is unusual among high school tracks: there is no AP for it, so a state mock-trial run or a law summer institute is how you show the interest is real.

12 verified programs match this page; 6 of the featured listings are completely free; 2 can be done online.

Featured programs

Browse 12+ curated programs for high school students:

• Notre Dame Summer Scholars — University of Notre Dame Pre-College: Transform your summer with this immersive high school program offering hands-on experience in neuroscience, law, and more. Boost college readiness and
• We the Students Essay Contest — Bill of Rights Institute: Compete in a national essay contest exploring constitutional principles. Open to grades 9-12, this free competition builds writing skills and boosts c
• YMCA Youth & Government (State Model Legislature & Court) — YMCA: Develop leadership and public speaking skills in this hands-on government program for high schoolers. Perfect for college resumes and exploring civics
• Empire Mock Trial — Empire Mock Trial: Transform your public speaking and advocacy skills in this elite high school competition. Engage in realistic courtroom trials and boost your college
• Student Press Law Center Free Press Advocacy — Student Press Law Center: Student advocacy for First Amendment rights and press freedom. Training and legal support for student journalists. Shows commitment to constitutional
• We the People National Competition Champion — Center for Civic Education: Congressional hearings simulation. Test constitutional knowledge. National finals in DC.
• We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals — Center for Civic Education: Compete in a prestigious civics competition with simulated congressional hearings. Build critical thinking, public speaking, and constitutional knowle
• National High School Moot Court Competition — Various Organizations: Develop critical thinking and legal skills in the National High School Moot Court Competition. Perfect for grades 9-12 to enhance college applications
• American Legion Oratorical Contest National Finalist — The American Legion: National finalists compete for up to $25,000 in scholarships. Speeches focus on the U.S. Constitution. One of the oldest and most prestigious oratory
• National High School Mock Trial Championship (NHSMTC) — NHSMTC, Inc.: Compete in a national mock trial competition, build advocacy and public speaking skills, and impress college admissions with hands-on legal and govern
• NFL Foundation Inspire Change Scholarship — NFL Foundation: Scholarship for high school seniors who demonstrate commitment to social justice, criminal justice reform, police-community relations, and economic ad
• American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest — The American Legion: The American Legion's Oratorical Contest challenges high school students to deliver speeches on the U.S. Constitution, awarding scholarships of $18,00

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