top of page

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Welcome to the Mitchell L. McLean Trial Competition! This prestigious event is part of the European Law Students Association (ELSA) at IE University, but is held using United States Common Law Rules of Procedure. We are dedicated to providing law students with an opportunity to hone their trial advocacy skills in a challenging and competitive environment.

 

The competition is held annually and attracts a large number of annual participants. The competition is designed to simulate a real trial setting, with students assuming the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a hypothetical case. The competition provides a unique opportunity for law students to develop their trial advocacy skills, which are crucial for success in the legal profession. Participants have the chance to work on their legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills, all of which are essential for a successful legal career.

 

While the competition is part of ELSA IE, a European organization, it is set in the United States to provide European law students with a platform of exposure to develop their skills in common law, and compete against their peers. By participating in this competition, students have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and exposure to the legal profession in the United States, as well as to network with other law students and legal professionals.

 

At the Mitchell L McLean Trial Competition, we strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and fair play. Our judges and evaluators are experienced legal professionals who provide valuable feedback and insights to participants, helping them to improve their skills and develop their legal careers.

 

Thank you for visiting our website and learning more about the Mitchell L McLean Trial Competition. We encourage all law students to participate and look forward to seeing the next generation of legal professionals hone their skills in this challenging and rewarding competition.

Image by Bonnie Kittle

MITCHELL L. MCLEAN MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION

Round one judgements are released.

About the late Judge Mitchell L. Mclean

Judge Mitchell L. McLean was a distinguished member of the legal community, known for his unwavering dedication to justice and public service. He served as the Chief District Court Judge for the 23rd Judicial District of North Carolina, presiding over various criminal and civil cases. His commitment to the law and the people he served earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community.

On July 3, 2013, tragedy struck when Judge McLean lost his life while attempting to rescue Mary Anne Galway and her husband Edward from a rip tide at Sunset Beach. Despite the risks, Judge McLean selflessly put himself in harm's way to help others in need, a testament to his character and dedication to serving his community. He was able to save Mr. Galway.

Judge McLean's legacy lives on through his impact on those who knew him, including Dane Chilton, the current president of ELSA IE University, who credits Judge McLean with inspiring his passion for law at a young age. 

Judge McLean's legacy continues to impact the legal community, inspiring young people to pursue careers in law and public service. Through his life and selfless sacrifice, he showed the importance of serving others and upholding justice. The Judge Mitchell L. Mclean Memorial Trial Competition is a testament to his legacy, providing a platform to educate and inspire the next generation of legal professionals in his memory.

ROUND TWO CASES RELEASED!

NEXT ROUND OF TRIALS:
April 15 & 16, 2023

Team & Individual Awards

In addition to the awards for the winning teams.

01.

Best Overall Team

This team has the strongest overall performance score in the competition, taking into account all aspects of the trial.

02.

Best Opening & Closing Statement

Goes to the individual who delivered the most convincing opening or closing statement.

03.

Best Prosecution Written Indictment

Goes to the team that produced the most convincing and well-crafted written indictment, presenting a clear and detailed case against the defendant.

04.

Best Overall Attorney

The individual who demonstrated the strongest advocacy skills during the competition.

05.

Best Defense Written Motion

Goes to the team that presented the most effective motion during the trial, such as a motion to dismiss or a motion to suppress evidence, which helped the defense build a stronger case.

06.

Most Creative Approach

The team who made the most creative and effective approach to the trial.

UP MITCHELL L. MCLEAN TRIAL COMPETITION (1).png

COMPETITION ADMINISTRATION

hshot221.jpg

Jacob Chilton

Executive Director

Picture Harvard_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Jorge Sanjuán

Scoring & Standards Director

DSC00306 Edit.jpg

Karim Kiwan

Senior Trial Director

bottom of page