It’s one
of a kind.
It’s the Empire Experience.
Topical cases.
Cutting-edge technology.
Remarkable advocacy.
Respect for others.
Whether you are a high school student seeking a new challenge, or a member of the legal community looking to make a difference, the Empire Experience is one you’ll never forget.
We challenge students intellectually like no other program, while encouraging them to embrace their peers from across the globe rather than treat them as opponents. Through it all, we place a premium on competition integrity, with transparent tabulation and instant online results.
But you don’t have to take our word for it—after all, we wouldn’t want a "mocker" to consider our testimony to be biased! Listen to those who have lived it.
COMPETE WITH US
Our competitions provide students with a platform to go head-to-head against their peers from across the globe, while preparing them for success in their local competition.
Last year alone, 8 teams that joined us in the fall placed in the top 20 of Nationals (i.e. the National High School Mock Trial Championship).
Pre-Trial | Guest Witness | Digital Exhibits | Global Field | Social Events
Fall Schedule
Empire Classic
Started in 2007, it is our signature competition–the OG some might say! Experience a vibrant city, top teams & digital scoring.
September 27-30, 2024
Sonesta Rittenhouse Square
& Center for Criminal Justice
November 8-11, 2024
Palmer House
& Courthouse T.B.D.
Empire Online
The Empire Classic experience online and made possible by our one-of-a-kind software.
October 16-28, 2024
All trials & ceremonies online
Spring Leagues
May 17-19, 2024 & June 2-9, 2024
Cash Prizes | Top Teams | Free for Title I Schools | Global Field
The Leagues
Do you have a team of mostly underclassmen that wants more trial experience to get them to the next level?
If so, you might consider the Sapphire League, which hosted 44 teams from 19 states in 2023, who weren’t ready to say goodbye to their mock trial season.
Did your senior heavy team just miss out on its state title and would love to vie for a prestigious international championship?
If so, you might consider the Premier League which hosted 20 teams in 2023, including 5 state runner-ups and 18 teams that placed in the top 10 of their state.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
As a nonprofit, Empire relies on volunteers to fulfill its mission. Each year, over 750 members of the legal community and program alumni volunteer to make our programs possible. Learn more below and sign up to volunteer today.
Judge or Juror
Open to judges, lawyers, law students, and experienced mock trialers who wish to serve as judges and jurors.
Blue Shirt
Open to recent program alumni and college students who wish to join our team and make the magic of Empire possible.
GIVE
Your donation will help support Empire’s students by allowing us to reduce entrance costs for those students who need it the most.
PARTNER
We provide strategic guidance, staffing and software support for fellow mock trial organizers. Keep reading to see how we’ve done that.
Our Mission
Empire Mock Trial is an education nonprofit that offers academic extracurricular programs for high school students.
Each program features at least four mock trials, during which students argue a case that is legally complex and socially relevant, all while connecting with their peers from across the globe. When competing in-person, our students also participate in public service projects and experience vibrant cities.
By creating the Empire experience, we strive to educate, connect and empower young people to be more compassionate and capable citizens.
News from Empire
March 6, 2024
Applications are now open for the 2024 Fall and Spring competitions!
To see more stories from Empire, visit On The Record.