“I have been a recurring High School Mock Trial Judge going into my seventh year. I keep returning, because seeing this degree of passion and effort from high-school students easily rivals and -- dare I say -- even exceeds what we as practitioners see in real courts on a daily basis. The judging experience is truly refreshing and inspiring, and not only a great teaching opportunity for the students, but also a moment of self-reflection each time.  Clichés aside, it truly makes me want to be a better lawyer the next day. Through the years, I have watched these high school students go on to participate in Mock Trial in college, solidify their career paths aiming at law school and beyond, and then return to coach their former high school teams. At each trial, a young person finds the courage to shine, take risks, and build confidence, and each time I am honored to have played some small part in enabling that growth. I urge all practitioners to give Mock Trial just one afternoon and sign up as a judge -- you'll see what I mean.”