The Conifer High School Mock Trial Team is a dynamic and diverse group of students who bring the courtroom to life through preparation, performance, and teamwork. Under the guidance of teacher sponsor and coaches Dawn Benish and Matthew Wright, the program is open to all interested students in grades 9–12 - no prior experience required!

Now in our third year, the team has grown to include around 26 students across two competitive teams, with participation increasing each season. Our students learn to think critically, speak persuasively, and collaborate effectively while developing a deep appreciation for the legal system.

We compete in the Colorado High School Mock Trial Tournament, sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association, where students present both sides of a fictional court case before real judges and attorneys.

• In our first year, Conifer won the Professionalism Award.

• In our second year, students earned multiple Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness awards.

This year’s regional competition will take place on February 21st and February 27th at the Jefferson County Courthouse, and we’re excited to continue building on our success as one of Colorado’s growing and spirited Mock Trial programs.

Mock Trial attracts a wide range of students—each bringing their own strengths, creativity, and curiosity to the courtroom. Many are drawn by a shared love of challenge, performance, and the thrill of thinking on their feet.

Our team includes:

• Aspiring leaders and advocates who are passionate about law, justice, and public service.

• Actors and improv enthusiasts who love storytelling, embodying a character, and performing under pressure.

• Confident speakers and performers who enjoy commanding a courtroom or delivering persuasive statements.

• Critical thinkers and problem-solvers who love analyzing evidence, building arguments, and strategizing on the fly.

• Writers and researchers who excel at crafting compelling openings, developing questions, and anticipating counterarguments

• Collaborative team players who value communication, respect, and professionalism while working toward a common goal.

Whether a student dreams of becoming an attorney, actor, scientist, politician, or teacher, Mock Trial offers real-world skills that last a lifetime—confidence, clarity, teamwork, and the ability to think under pressure.

At its core, Mock Trial is for any student who loves to learn, perform, lead, and make their voice heard.

Become a Mock Trial Mentor

The Conifer High School Mock Trial Team is looking for mentors and volunteers to help guide our growing group of young legal minds! Our students work hard to prepare both sides of a complex legal case for the Colorado High School Mock Trial Tournament, sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association—and they thrive when they can learn from real-world experts.

We are seeking attorneys, law students, and community members with courtroom or public-speaking experience who can offer guidance in areas such as:

• Litigation strategy and case theory development

• Crafting persuasive opening and closing statements

• Writing and refining direct and cross-examination questions

• Coaching students on witness demeanor and preparation

• Providing constructive feedback on performance and professionalism

Mentors can volunteer as little or as much time as they are able—whether it’s attending a few practices, hosting a workshop, or helping teams polish their cases before competition.

Your expertise makes a direct impact on students’ confidence, communication skills, and understanding of the legal system. Join us in preparing the next generation of advocates and leaders!

Regional Tournament Dates: February 21 & 27, 2025 — Jefferson County Courthouse
Teacher Sponsor & Coaches: Dawn Benish, Matthew Wright