Madison West mock trial team takes first place in the 2024 Wisconsin High School Mock Trial finals tournament.

March 20, 2024 – The attorneys were spot-on in their objections and nuanced in their arguments as they stood in the courtroom questioning witnesses on direct and cross-exam, often having to think on their feet. The case was civil and involved the reputation of the plaintiff – a high school student.

The age of the attorneys? From 16 to 18.

The students on each team competed in the final round of the Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament, held in Madison on March 3. At the State Capitol, teams from Shorewood and Madison West high schools faced off against each other in the round that was the culmination of their mock trial season.

“This is exactly what we see every day in a trial,” said Judge John Jorgensen, Winnebago County Circuit Court, a member of the three-judge panel deciding the final round.

The judges had nothing but praise for both teams.

It was obvious that “they put in a lot of work in preparation,” said Judge Kori Ashley, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, one of the final-round judges and also a mock trial team coach.

This year's case offered “a lot of difficult nuance,” said Judge Brian Blanchard of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District IV, presiding judge for the final round. “It seems like for every little factor there’s something that pushes both ways.”

The attorneys on each team “rolled with it” skillfully while thinking on their feet, Judge Blanchard said. “All the witnesses were just outstanding and did the best they could for their team.”

It was a close run. For the first time in the team’s history, Madison West earned the top spot. The team will represent Wisconsin in the 2024 National High School Mock Trial Championship, which takes place in Wilmington, Delaware, May 2-4, 2024.

Taking first place “took a lot of hard work by a lot of people over the entire season,” said coach Kendall Harrison, a Madison attorney with Godfrey & Kahn and one of several coaches for the team.

Madison West previously won second place in 2022 and in 2002. “This is really the culmination of seven years of dedication and effort​, so it's fantastic. We’re thrilled,” Harrison said.

View the live recording of the 2024 Mock Trial final round on Wiseye.org, and hear an interview with team captains and Harrison on WORT radio in Madison.

Madison West's plaintiff-side attorney Brynn Ronk (standing) questions a witness during the state final round on March 3. Joining her at the desk are team attorneys​ Emily Fenske (center) and Ari Blehert (left).

What the Students Say

Brynn Ronk is a Madison West senior and a captain of its mock trial team. One of the team’s plaintiff-side attorneys, she has participated in mock trial since she was a freshman. “Mock trial demands a broad skill set – good attorneys should understand the law, be able to improvise, and use rhetoric to persuade their audience,” she said.

It’s not just about the skills she’s learned over the past four years. “Above all, mock trial has given me a community. Not only does each person's performance contribute to the team's overall score, but lawyers and witnesses have to communicate in real time to adapt to ​each round. As a result, our team has grown incredibly close.”

Will she consider a legal career? “We'll see where I end up in 10 years. I don't think I would have considered it at all were it not for mock trial!​” she said.

Her teammate and fellow team captain, senior Caleb Ellenberg, was a defense-side attorney on the team. “Mock Trial has given me the opportunity to learn about the law and apply that knowledge to the exciting cases the State Bar writes each year. The chance to argue in real courtrooms in front of real judges is something really special that I don't take for granted. When we get into the thick of a trial sometimes I forget I'm not a real lawyer!”

Ellenberg also talks about the community created by mock trial and fostering the next leaders​​. “As a captain it's been an honor to help lead our team and teach the art of mock trial to a new generation of attorneys and witnesses.”

What the Coaches Say

For more than 40 years, Wisconsin High School Mock Trial has brought the courts to life for thousands of students across the state. Teams of 6-12 participants rely on lawyers, judges, and teachers as coaches, donating countless hours per season to the students and their mock trial programs.

“Mock trial allows students to learn key life skills, including problem ​solving, teamwork, public speaking, and extemporizing. They also learn about career opportunities in law and related fields,” said Scott Campbell of the U.S. Department of Justice, an attorney coach since 2011 for the Whitefish Bay High School teams.

“For coaches, it is thrilling to play a small part in the growth of students from knowing (and caring) nothing about the law to actually being ready to present a case in court,” said Chuck Kahn, a Whitefish Bay attorney-coach and retired Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge.

“I have seen the High School Mock Trial Program have a huge impact on students developing critical thinking skills and improving their confidence in public speaking and advocacy,” said Jeff Biskowitz, a teacher coach for the past 12 years at Whitefish Bay.

“I've witnessed students who knew very little about legal proceedings when they first joined Mock Trial, gain a profound knowledge of legal principles, rules of evidence, and courtroom procedures. Students also learn how to really collaborate with each other by working together to develop strong arguments as they prepare a compelling case.”

The Whitefish Bay teams received the 2024 Spirit of Mock Trial Award, given to the teams that foster teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation among teams and the mock trial community.

Whitefish Bay Earns Spirit of Mock Trial Award

The Whitefish Bay teams received the 2024 Spirit of Mock Trial Award, given to the teams that foster teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation among teams and the mock trial community.

Whitefish Bay’s efforts “increase the overall success of competitions and scrimmages,” said Kristen Lonergan, chair of the Mock Trial Writing Committee. The teams did not hesitate to provide judges when needed, or to volunteer when help was needed for any of the tournament tasks.

“At scrimmages, they'll take time to provide meaningful feedback and lift up students that are not on their own teams. Together, they elevate the mock trial program by ensuring it's a learning experience for everybody by helping other teams gain in skills.”

Why does Campbell continue to devote time to mock trial? “I think our biggest legacy is that we teach students how to become better people and how to gain those skills that help other people become better people. And that's really how we pay it forward,” he said.

“Having the opportunity to teach these life skills through a fun, creative, team-oriented process is also what makes coaching mock trial so rewarding,” Campbell said. “And coaching mock trial has also made me a better listener and a better lawyer.”

You’re Needed Next Year: How to Get Involved

The State Bar of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Law Foundation support the Wisconsin High School Mock Trial tournament, but it takes more than 200 volunteers to make it happen – just for the regional tournament alone.

It takes even more attorney volunteers to coach the teams. This year, 89 teams with 1,068 students competed in the regionals competitions – some without an attorney coach.

You’re needed. Interested in volunteering next year for the tournament or as a coach? Contact Katie Wilcox, State Bar of Wisconsin mock trial coordinator.

Wisconsin Law Foundation Supports Mock Trial

Wisconsin High School Mock Trial is a State Bar of Wisconsin program funded by the Wisconsin Law Foundation, the charitable arm of the State Bar. Founded in 1983, the program helps students gain a deeper understanding of our legal system while developing leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.