The Urban School of San Francisco
Make Your Case.
Mock Trial at Urban
A new You Period elective where you build a case from the ground up, argue it in a courtroom, and compete against other Bay Area schools. Voice, agency, and challenge — in action.
Register Your InterestMock trial is courtroom competition. You take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a realistic trial — analyzing evidence, constructing arguments, and presenting them to a judge. No legal experience needed. No debate background required. Just bring your voice.
What You'll Develop
The same skills Urban values most — applied under real pressure.
Voice
Present arguments with confidence and clarity — real persuasion, not performance
Challenge
Analyze complex facts, identify weaknesses, and build rigorous arguments
Agency
Own your role — every decision shapes the outcome for your team
Gumption
Compete against other schools in real courtrooms with real judges
Your Arc
Get the Case
Receive your case file and learn to break it down
Build Skills
Openings, directs, crosses, closings, objections
Run the Trial
Full trial simulations with feedback and refinement
Compete
SF County Mock Trial — Blues vs. Bay Area schools
Details
Schedule
When: Tuesdays — You Period
Terms: Fall & Winter trimesters
Spring: Second case & competition (TBD)
Competition: SF County Mock Trial (Jan–Feb)
Who
Size: 8–12 students
Grades: Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors preferred; Freshmen welcome
Experience: None required — just curiosity and commitment
Your Coach
Erik Knuppel — Former trial and appellate attorney. Adjunct professor of trial advocacy at UC Law San Francisco (2010–present) and Golden Gate University School of Law (2011–2020). 20+ competition teams coached at the national level, including ABA Nationals and the TYLA National Trial Competition. Founded GavelStats, a mock trial analytics platform used by the ABA and law schools nationwide. Parent in the Urban community.
Why Mock Trial at Urban
Builds confidence speaking in high-pressure, real-world situations
Strengthens analytical reasoning and evidence-based argumentation
Teaches students to advocate — first for a position, then for themselves
Strong extracurricular for college applications
Develops poise, listening, and quick thinking under pressure
Fosters teamwork and leadership across grade levels
Register Your Interest
Spots are limited to 8–12 students. Sign up to stay in the loop as we finalize the roster for Fall 2026.