Gary D. Thompson was looking for a way to give back when he first signed on with the New Jersey State Bar Foundation's high school mock trial program more than two decades ago.

Thompson, a civil attorney in Pitman, thought the program seemed like a good fit. And, he recalled, it addressed something else that he'd noticed: the lack of realism in the hit television show L.A. Law.

“Great entertainment, but not realistic as to what was involved with preparing a case for trial and trying a case,” he said. “The mock trial program provided a realistic view.”

For 37 years, the Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition has been giving New Jersey high school students a realistic view of the courtroom and much more. Sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation in cooperation with the state's county bar associations and the New Jersey State Bar Association, the contest seeks to increase comprehension of the American system of justice, demystify the law and help students develop and improve basic life and leadership skills.

Each high school team that enters has a teacher-coach. In addition, the competition sponsors try to match teams with volunteer attorney-coaches. Over 200 high schools signed up to take part in last year's program.

How it works

Teams initially compete against other schools in their own county. County champions then visit the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick for a two-phase playoff round, followed by semi-finals and state finals. The state winner goes on to the National High School Mock Trial Championship.

The season will kick off later this month with the release of this year's case and workbook, which will be posted on the New Jersey State Bar Foundation website. This year's case deals with a roller coaster incident.

Students gain confidence

As for Thompson, after 22 years, he is retiring, both from the professional practice of law and his volunteer position as one of the longest serving mock trial coordinators in the state. Lewis C. Fichera, a longtime member of the foundation's Mock Trial Committee and former attorney-coach, will be taking over the coordinator job.

“It's always been enjoyable to watch students as they progress through the program,” Thompson recalled recently. “I've been able to work with the teacher-coaches and attorney-coaches who are very dedicated and give a lot of their time to make the program a success.”

At the beginning, he said, students are often uncertain of themselves. You don't hear a lot of objections, for example. But then they come back year after year, having gained confidence.

“I've also heard from teacher coaches about students who were involved in the program and have gone on to careers in the law,” Thompson said. “I think the future of our country is in great hands. These students work very, very hard. It's just a pleasure to watch them grow in their skills.”

Get involved

The mock trial program needs volunteer attorney-coaches and mock trial judges (lawyers or judges) in most New Jersey counties.  Attorneys or judges who volunteer to coach or judge can earn up to six CLE credits per compliance period.  Volunteers can contact Sheila Boro at [email protected] or 732-937-7519.

The foundation's free, annual workshop for teacher- and attorney-coaches will be held on Oct. 25. For more information or to register, visit NJSBF.org.