The Urban School of San Francisco
Make Your Case.
Urban School Mock Trial
A new elective where you learn to think on your feet, argue with evidence, and compete.
Mock trial is courtroom competition — you play lawyers and witnesses in a realistic trial. Build a case from the ground up, present it to a judge, and go head-to-head against another school. No experience needed. Just bring your voice.
Speak Up
Public speaking that actually feels real
Think Sharp
Analyze facts, spot weaknesses, build arguments
Team Up
Win as a team — every role matters
Compete
Real competitions against real schools
Your Arc
Get the Case
Receive your case file & learn to break it down
Build Skills
Openings, directs, crosses, closings, objections
Run the Trial
Practice rounds — full trial simulations
Compete!
Local competition against other schools
Details
Schedule
When: Tuesdays during You Period
Terms: Fall & Winter trimesters
Spring: Second case & competition (TBD)
Competition: Local invitational (~November)
Who
Size: 8–12 students
Grades: Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors preferred; Freshmen welcome
Experience: None required
Your Coach
Erik Knuppel — Former trial and appellate attorney. 10+ years teaching trial advocacy at UC Law San Francisco and Golden Gate Law. 20+ competition teams coached at the national level. Founded GavelStats, a mock trial analytics platform used by the ABA and law schools nationwide.