Standouts included Lyla Zedell, who received an Outstanding Witness Award, and Maya Iyer and Julia Chen, who were recognized with Outstanding Attorney Awards.

At mock trial tournaments, students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in cases they receive and prepare for before the event. Last year, Georgia Tech’s team earned sixth place in their division at the national championship. They started this season ranked 18th out of more than 700 teams in the American Mock Trial Association based on their performance in the previous three seasons. 

School of Public Policy alumnus Andy McNeil has led the team since 2007, and Atlanta-area lawyer Will Warihay joined McNeil as a co-coach in 2014. Both also share their expertise as part-time lecturers in the Law, Science, and Technology program in the School of Public Policy. However, Mock Trial is not just for pre-law students — all are welcome to join! If interested, follow along with the team’s 2023 Nationals bid on their social media accounts and watch for try-out information over the summer for next semester.