Write a New Ending to Your Season
Not ready for your mock trial season to be over? We know the feeling… and think we can help.
Leveraging the power of our PROcess software, we’re excited to welcome you to the Spring Leagues: featuring two online competitions for teams of different experience levels. Keep reading to learn more!
May 17-19 (prelims)
June 2-9 (playoffs)
INTRODUCING: CASH PRIZES.
INTRODUCING: CASH PRIZES.
The Spring Leagues are BACK
The Why
We want any high school mock trial team that is interested in competing against schools from outside of their state to have the opportunity to do so.
Historically, only one school that wins their statewide competition advances to Nationals, and only schools that receive financial support from their communities are able to travel to fall competitions, like ours or the Yale Invitational.
So we created the Spring Leagues: two online competitions, organized by experience level, that are available to any school from across the globe at little to no cost.
The Leagues
The Sapphire League
Any school that has competed in, at least, one mock trial competition or invitational during the 2023-2024 season is eligible to compete in the Sapphire League;
Includes 4 rounds of guaranteed competition, plus a Championship Round for the top two teams.
The Premier League
Automatically qualify if you've placed in the top 5 of your state's mock trial competition or in a 2023 Empire competition*;
Considered for admission if you've placed 6th through 10th in your state's mock trial competition or at a 2023 Empire competition;
Includes 4 rounds of guaranteed competition, plus a series of single elimination rounds for the top 8 teams that advance.
*Note: The competition is not designed for teams that qualify for the NHSMTC because they already have a spring competition from which to enjoy and learn.
Cash Prizes
For the first time ever, Empire is offering cash prizes to the winners of
the Spring Leagues:
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $350
3rd Place: $250
4th Place: $150
Fees
Each registration fee includes admission to a League, its Opening and Closing Ceremony, and all trials.
Title I schools: $0
Note: To receive free admission, the NCES must list your school as having received Title 1 School-Wide aid on their site. You can search for your school here.
Top 5 at ‘23 Empire: $0
Runner-up at ‘24 state finals: $0
All other teams: $250
Other items, such as t-shirts or Empire swag, will be available for purchase online.
$50 discount for providing qualified judge / juror*
Note: Individual must have a minimum of two years of coaching or competition experience and be willing to score at least two rounds of competition. The organization reserves the right to reject a judge it deems unqualified.
The Case
Released on April 1
Original and topical case prepared just for the Spring League.
No Guest Witness or Pre-Trial Oral Argument component for the League’s inaugural year.
But don’t worry–these will be back for the regular season this Fall.
Case size and components will vary by League.
Sapphire: 3 witness affidavits, must call all 3. Expect to offer fewer exhibits.
Premier: 4 witness affidavits, must call 3 out of 4.
Case Preview
Inaugural Spring Leagues
Success
Emily Denczek, First-time Empire student
Lake Howell High School (FL)
“I was expecting the Spring Leagues to be just like every other mock trial competition. From the second opening ceremonies started, I knew I was wrong. We had fun the entire time!”
Davis Mugford, First-time Empire coach
JR Tucker High School (VA)
“The entire Spring Leagues experience was ideal for our team… [My students] got much needed skills from this competition that will push them to the next level this fall.”
Whitney Coates, First-time Empire coach
Orange County School of the Arts (CA)
“We’re so excited to participate again. [Empire] set a high bar for any other invitational. It was a great experience.”
How It’ll Run
Spring Leagues will operate like a typical Empire Online competition using our PROcess software to enter Zoom courtrooms and view scores;
Scores and written feedback will be released immediately after the conclusion of the round;
Each courtroom is its own Zoom conference room;
Get best practices for presenting in virtual court (they are no longer required), but feel free to decide how you’d like to present your materials;
Review our Empire Online Setup Guides, outlining best presentation practices here;
Have an Empire staff member assigned to your courtroom, who you can message at any time if a problem arises.
A sneak peek of PROcess in action.
The Schedule
Rules & Policies
2023 in Review
Dos Pueblos High School
Spring Leagues’ Champion
Watch the final battle between Dos Pueblos High School (CA) and Ft. Lauderdale High School (FL).
Watch now
