Judge at Empire Chicago
November 14-16, 2026
Hilton Chicago
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 field consisted of 44 teams from 16 states and 4 countries, including 5 local schools.
ONE-OF-A-KIND COMPETITION FORMAT
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.
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!
EAT WELL & NETWORK
Before each round, enjoy a hot catered meal from Hilton Chicago, while networking with members of the legal community. Last year, 9 sitting judges volunteered at Empire Chicago.
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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 MCLE
Eligible lawyers may earn MCLE credits by attending 1-hour MCLE 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 MCLE certificates.
Please note that we are not, ourselves, an accredited MCLE provider. This marks our fifth year working with Eagle Cove Bar Services, which typically receives approval to award MCLE credit from the Illinois MCLE Board in the weeks leading up to the competition.
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Earn 1 ethics credit for attending a one hour MCLE workshop prior to the trial
Attorneys can earn up to 4 CLE credits, if they attend all 4 seminars
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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
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Arrive at 8:30 AM, if you intend to attend the one hour MCLE workshop
Arrive at 9:15 AM, if you do not intend to attend the MCLE workshop
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Arrive at 1:45 PM, if you intend to attend the one hour MCLE workshop
Arrive at 2:30 PM, if you do not intend to attend the MCLE workshop
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Arrive at 8:30 AM, if you intend to attend the one hour MCLE workshop
Arrive at 9:15 AM, if you do not intend to attend the MCLE workshop
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Arrive at 1:45 PM, if you intend to attend the one hour MCLE workshop
Arrive at 2:30 PM, if you do not intend to attend the MCLE workshop
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Arrive at 9:00 AM
(No MCLE workshops are available during this time)
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).
This year, all preliminary trials and ceremonies are held at Hilton Chicago, where you can park for free and enjoy a catered meal.
The Championship Round will be held at the Chicago Kent School of Law.
Schedule
Want to learn more about Empire Chicago?
Our Impact
A Local Perspective
“We have been Empire participants since 2018. I have found that the depth of preparation and the
weekend of trials really helps prepare my students for their Illinois season, and my students and I believe it has had a direct bearing on our competition performance. I have also found that bringing my newest students along to watch has made them more thoughtful and enthusiastic about sticking with Mock Trial. Empire is a great investment.”
Donald Mcarthur
Mock Trial Coach
2024 IL State Champions
“These high school kids are better at trial advocacy than many lawyers I see... the competition is run in an extraordinarily professional manner. Empire has it organized down to a science... I heartily recommend participation as a judge in this competition. You will be blown away by the quality of much of the trial advocacy.”
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Honorable James Shapiro
Cook County Circuit Circuit
Empire Volunteer
2025 Keynote
Professor Steve D. Schwinn (UIC College of Law) speaks to the students about the subject matter of last year’s case, the First Amendment.
Ready to sign up?
Complete the form below and we’ll see you soon.