The University of Illinois Springfield Mock Trial team secured victories in its first rounds of the 2024-25 season at the Illinois State University Invitational, held Nov. 1-3. The event featured 30 teams from seven states and is recognized as one of the most competitive invitational tournaments leading up to the regional rounds in February 2025.

The competition involved undergraduate students presenting a case developed by the American Mock Trial Association. This year’s case was a civil suit in which one sibling sued another over their father's death. Teams participated in four rounds, alternating between plaintiff and defense. Each round was scored by two judges, with students portraying attorneys and witnesses. Preparation included weeks of practice on opening statements, direct and cross-examinations and closing arguments.

UIS faced teams from the University of Missouri, DePaul University, Georgia College and State University and Carthage College. The team won both rounds against Carthage College, known for its experienced mock trial program. All UIS team members were rated as outstanding in individual round ballots.

Team members who competed included president Abbie Hasty, John Kennedy, Sadie Edgar, Emily Ahrens, Brandi Israel and Fiel Wilson. The team is coached by UIS adjunct instructor and alum Scott Pyles. The UIS Mock Trial team will continue preparing for the American Mock Trial Association regional competition in February.