Judge at Empire Atlanta
October 3-5, 2026
Georgia World Congress Center
Getting Started
Click on an option below to learn more:
What to Expect
When you volunteer as a judge or juror for one (or more!) 2.5 - 3 hour trial…
EXTRAORDINARY ADVOCACY
Watch a talented group of high school students from across the country argue a fascinating original case. Last year’s Empire field consisted of 80 teams from 22 states, Washington D.C. and 4 countries.
Trials start with an oral argument, where the judge’s ruling impacts evidence at trial. Once the trial begins, each school direct examines one “guest witness”, a student from a different team that is given just 20 minutes to prepare with them. We challenge students to argue extemporaneously.
ONE-OF-A-KIND COMPETITION FORMAT
SCORE & PROVIDE
FEEDBACK WITH EASE
Our proprietary digital software, developed entirely in-house, makes it simple to score the students and to type comments on a laptop or your cell phone. But if that’s not your thing, then we’ll give you a paper ballot instead!
Before each round, enjoy a hot catered meal from Levy’s Catering, while networking with members of the legal community. Last year, 25 sitting judges volunteered across our two in-person programs.
EAT WELL & NETWORK
-
Review an Evaluator’s Guide, which includes background on the case and guidance for scoring the trial
Review a Bench Brief (presiders only) which includes a roadmap and script for presiding, legal documents, and a list of questions that you can ask advocates during the oral argument
Watch 30 minute training video via Zoom (or YouTube) prior to the competition.
Earn CLE
Eligible lawyers may earn CLE credits by attending 1-hour CLE workshops prior to our competition trials and, in some cases, for judging mock trials. Empire partners with the Eagle Cove Bar Services to process its CLE certificates.
Please note that we are not, ourselves, an accredited CLE provider.
-
Earn 1 ethics credit for attending a one hour CLE workshop prior to the trial
Attorneys can earn up to 4 CLE credits, if they attend all 4 seminars
-
New York & New Jersey lawyers can earn 3 CLE credits for judging mock trial subject to the following conditions:
Pennsylvania lawyers are not permitted to receive CLE credit for judging mock trial
The CLE credits are non-transitional (not for newly admitted attorneys, see here)
You cannot earn more than (3) CLE credits for judging more than one trial (NYSBA rules, not ours)
Certificates are e-mailed 6-8 weeks after the competition
Schedule
There are four (4) preliminary trials and a Championship Round. Volunteers are also invited to join us for the Opening Ceremony (Friday), Appreciation Night (Saturday PM), and the Closing Ceremony (Sunday PM).
All preliminary trials and ceremonies are held at the Georgia World Congress Center, where you’ll enjoy breakfast or lunch while being trained.
The Championship Round will be held in a Ceremonial Courtroom at a local courthouse, which will be determined at a later date.
-
Arrive at 8:30 AM, if you intend to attend the one hour CLE workshop
Arrive at 9:15 AM, if you do not intend to attend the CLE workshop
-
Arrive at 1:45 PM, if you intend to attend the one hour CLE workshop
Arrive at 2:30 PM, if you do not intend to attend the CLE workshop
-
Join us for appetizers and spirits immediately after Round 2, across the street at the Embassy Suites.
We expect the event to last from 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM. -
Arrive at 8:30 AM, if you intend to attend the one hour CLE workshop
Arrive at 9:15 AM, if you do not intend to attend the CLE workshop
-
Arrive at 1:45 PM, if you intend to attend the one hour CLE workshop
Arrive at 2:30 PM, if you do not intend to attend the CLE workshop
You are welcome to attend the Closing Ceremony, which will immediately follow Round 4.
-
Arrive at 9:00 AM
(No CLE workshops are available during this time)
Want to learn more about Empire Atlanta?
Our Impact
A Local Perspective
“I have participated in the Empire program for over a decade as a coach and a judge. Empire provides its students with a wonderful opportunity to compete against their peers from across the globe. The caliber of competition is excellent and I’ve watched my students really grow after their Empire experience. As a judge, the rounds are entertaining and the organization treats us very well. I highly recommend being a part of Empire Atlanta.”
Judge John Carbo
Chief Judge Emeritus,
Clayton County State Court
Mock Trial Coach Emeritus,
Jonesboro High School
The Awards
After a full weekend of trials, this is what the students work for—watch highlights from an Atlanta Closing Ceremony.
Ready to judge this fall?
Complete the form below and we’ll see you soon.