Kazan Law Proud to Sponsor Alameda County Phillip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Competition
Congratulations to Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward for winning this year’s Alameda County Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Competition. We are very proud to continue to sponsor this meaningful competition in memory of our dear friend and partner Philip A. Harley (1947-2009).
The Alameda County Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Competition is an annual countywide high school criminal trial competition designed to increase understanding of our judicial system and the processes necessary to create a just society. Teams of nine to 25 students study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research and receive individual coaching by volunteer attorneys in trial preparation, courtroom protocol, courtroom procedure, analysis and communication.
All this extensive preparation begins in the fall and culminates in a live mock trial competition held throughout January and February. Through their participation in the imitation trials, these Alameda County high school students get to learn and practice the roles of attorneys, witnesses and other courtroom positions. The winning team then represents Alameda County at the state competition held every March.
This year, following four weeks of competition between 14 teams, Moreau Catholic High School defeated Fremont’s American High School to win the competition. Moreau will represent Alameda County at the state competition on March 20 through 22 in Riverside, CA. This is the third straight competition win for Moreau.
Alameda County Presiding Judge Winifred Y. Smith delivered the final ruling at the Rene. C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland. More than 100 Alameda County attorneys and judges volunteered to score and preside during the month-long competition.
All 14 participating high school teams will be celebrated at an awards ceremony and reception on March 10 at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward.
At the reception, Judge Stephen Pulido will join members of our firm in presenting awards including best performances in the following categories: County Finalist Teams, Pre-Trial Attorneys, Prosecution and Defense Attorneys, Prosecution and Defense Witnesses, Clerks, Bailiffs, Journalists and Courtroom Artists.
“It’s not simply about who gets the highest scores. Over the course of the competition, we encourage and celebrate each student’s growth in skills critical to becoming a productive member of our society: working as a member of a team, analytical abilities, communication skills, and self-confidence,” states Alameda County Superintendent of Schools L. Karen Monroe.
We believe this is a wonderful legacy for Phil, a dedicated attorney who always made a point of supporting consumer advocacy programs including trial-related education programs.
Alameda County Phillip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Competition Teams:
- Amador Valley High School (Pleasanton USD) – Winner of 2012 mock trial competition
- American High School (Fremont USD)
- Bishop O’Dowd High School (Oakland, private)
- COIL Charter School (Fremont USD)
- East Bay Arts High School (Hayward USD)
- Granada High School (Livermore JVUSD)
- KIPP King (College Prep, public)
- Moreau Catholic High School (Hayward, private)
- Oakland Tech High School (Oakland USD)
- Piedmont High School (Piedmont USD)
- San Lorenzo High School (San Lorenzo USD)
- Skyline High School (Oakland USD)