As The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) prepares for the 2026 National High School Mock Trial Championship to be hosted in Des Moines, the Iowa Lawyer Weekly is proud to announce a special series beginning this year: the Iowa Mock Trial Alumni Spotlight. This monthly column will celebrate the diverse achievements of former mock trial participants who have ventured into law practice, the judiciary, and professional fields outside the traditional legal profession.

Since its inception, Iowa's mock trial program has been instrumental in developing not only future lawyers but also leaders across different sectors. These alumni have taken the critical thinking, public speaking, and analytical skills developed through mock trial and applied them to excel in fields as varied as technology, medicine, journalism, and beyond here within the state.

Each subsequent issue in 2025 will feature three former 'mockers' who have made significant contributions to their field. These stories will not only highlight the broad applicability of the skills gained through the Iowa Mock Trial Program but also inspire current participants by showing the far-reaching impacts of their hard work and dedication.

Stay tuned for these inspiring stories and more, as we continue to showcase the enduring value of civics and legal education in Iowa.

We invite all our readers to join us in this celebration of talent and achievement. If you are a mock trial alum with a story to tell, or know someone who is, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Help us highlight how these 'courtroom' experiences for youth in Iowa have translated into real-world success.

Visit the Iowa Bar Blog for more news.