Passion for Law by Claire

Passion for Law by Claire - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

“Too hard, too fast, too soon.” That was my team’s theme for my very first Mock Trial case. I’ve been on the Mock Trial team for 3 years, and it has been the single most stressful, frustrating, rewarding, and most importantly, influential, activity I’ve participated in. It made me realize that I want to be involved in this type of environment in the future, too.
My first year, Mock Trial Regional Tournaments were hosted every Tuesday in January in the Ramsey County Courthouse in St. Paul, MN. It’s a huge, elaborate building, all marble and wood. I was terrified. I’d performed dozens of times before, but this was real now. In a real courtroom, with a real judge, just like a real lawyer. I remember my whole body trembling before it was my turn to testify (I was a witness on that side of the case) but once I sat in the stand and looked the jury in the eyes, my nerves melted away. It felt natural, and I was loud and confident and acted like I’d done it a million times. We didn’t end up winning that round, but my coach moved me up to the varsity team immediately after that.
My passion for legal studies, and all things law related, exploded after this. I spent hours researching and strategizing. I practiced rules of evidence, confidence while speaking, ability to improvise, cross-examination, and ability to adapt to the judge’s preferences and the other team’s style. I loved it all. I quickly realized that this was something I wanted to do in real life, too.
This fall, my team and I competed and won a National Competition. We then went on to the World Tournament in Chicago, against 44 teams from 5 countries. And we won the World Championship! I won an individual award for my performance, as well.
I got my passion for the legal field from Mock Trial. Not just due to my success, but because of how much I love every aspect of what we do. Obviously, I know real life won’t be quite as much fun, but it’s been such an inspiration to me. I want to bring my involvement in something I love so much into the real world, too. I have also always had an interest in psychology. I love the idea of combining my interest in psychology with my interest in law, to study and eventually become a Forensic Psychologist. I could have a real involvement in my community, be involved with people, and also be a part of the legal system. It will require a lot of education, but I’m excited for the opportunity to fulfill my dreams.