The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) is set to welcome the nation’s top high school mock trial teams to Des Moines during the week of May 4, marking a significant milestone for a program that began right here in Iowa.
Students, coaches, and families will begin arriving May 4–6, with registration, orientation, and the traditional pin exchange leading into the National High School Mock Trial Championship competition rounds May 7–9. The event will bring together state champion teams from across the country, along with international participants, showcasing the very best of student advocacy, critical thinking, and collaboration.
This moment has been years in the making. As highlighted in the July 2023 issue of The Iowa Lawyer magazine, Iowa is the birthplace of the National High School Mock Trial Championship, having hosted the inaugural competition in 1984. Now, more than 40 years later, the championship returns to Des Moines, an exciting homecoming for Iowa’s legal community.
Momentum has been building across the state in the lead-up to the national event. Earlier this month, Iowa City High School earned the title of 2026 Iowa High School Mock Trial State Champion and will represent Iowa on the national stage. The strength of Iowa’s program was evident again this year, with 98 teams participating statewide and demonstrating the depth of talent and dedication among student competitors.
Support from Iowa’s legal community has also played a key role in preparing for the championship. The ISBA Young Lawyers Division recently hosted its Justice Fore All event, raising funds and awareness to support the national competition. In addition, volunteers from across the state have stepped up to serve as judges, event crew, and ambassadors—helping ensure a welcoming and successful experience for all attendees.
There is still time to get involved. Sign up to volunteer as a courtroom liaison. Those interested in volunteering can sign up through Tabroom.com by following a few simple steps:
- Create an account by clicking “Sign Up” and entering your email, name, phone number, location, and password. (Note: A phone number is required to complete registration.)
- Log in and search for “National High School Mock Trial Championship in Iowa.”
- Select the tournament and navigate to the “Volunteer Signup” tab.
- Choose “Courtroom Liaison,” select a time slot, and click the button to register.
Even a single time slot can make a meaningful difference in supporting the event. Volunteers will not only help ensure the success of the championship but also help inspire students exploring careers in law. For many participants, this competition is a defining moment in their academic journey, and the presence of engaged legal professionals makes that experience all the more impactful.
As Des Moines prepares to host this prestigious event, the championship represents more than just a competition. It is an opportunity to showcase Iowa’s legal community, highlight the impact of mock trial on students’ development, and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
Members are encouraged to follow along, get involved where possible, and help welcome participants from across the country to Iowa.
Visit the Iowa Bar Blog for more news.
