The 2026 James J. Hippard Open Mock Trial Competition will be held in person on September 18-20.
DATES FOR THE 2026 JAMES J. HIPPARD OPEN MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION
Lunch & Learn – Thursday, September 3rd at 12 PM in Room 310
Registration Starts – Friday, September 4th at 12 PM
Registration Ends – Monday, September 7th at 5PM
Competition – Friday to Sunday, September 18 through 20
Competition Schedule
Friday, September 18, Rounds at 12:30 PM & 4:30 PM
Saturday, September 19, Rounds at 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, & 4:30 PM
Sunday, September 20, Round at 9:00 AM
WITNESS AND PARTNER SEARCH
If you are looking for a partner or witnesses, reach out to the competition director James Gengaro (jegengar@CougarNet.UH.EDU).
LUNCH & LEARN SLIDES
HOW TO SIGN UP
Step 1
Pay for your team on PayPal, and save your confirmation number. There are three payment options: (1) $20 if both team members are also Advocates members, (2) $100 if both team members are non-Advocates members, or (3) $60 for half and half.
Please note in the payment for the names of each teammate and “James J. Hippard Open Mock Trial Competition.”
Step 2
Fill out this Google Form.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
A Hippard Mock Trial Competition Team comprises two UHLC students who prepare and argue the case for both sides, including opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments. Each team must also recruit witnesses to provide live testimony. Competition rounds are judged by volunteers from the Houston legal community judge who frequently offer competitors feedback at the end of their rounds to help them improve their skills. Teams are scored on their Motion In Limine, opening statements, direct & cross-examinations, closing arguments, objections, courtroom presence, and demeanor.
COURSE CREDIT & PRIZES
UHLC students can earn 1 hour of non-substantive competition credit by (1) making a good-faith effort in the Competition and (2) completing and timely submitting the writing assignment for the Competition that is described in the Competition Rules. The Competition Teams that advance to the Final Round will receive a cash prize. The Best Speaker in the Final Round of each competition will also be recognized.
Do you have questions or need more information? Email James Gengaro, Director of the Hippard Open Mock Trial Competition.