Norcross HS Mock Trial finishes Fifth in State, Wins Record 25 Awards

The Norcross High School mock trial team completed their season as the fifth ranked team in Georgia, losing a close match (3-2) to Grady HS in the state quarterfinals.  This ranking was the highest by a Gwinnett County team in more than ten years.  Grady went on to win the state championship.

This was the Norcross team’s second consecutive year advancing to the state finals.  Last year’s competition was cancelled due to COVID-19.  Instead of the usual venues in courtrooms throughout the state, this year’s competition was held virtually in trials conducted over Zoom.

More than 80 schools fielded a total of 99 teams in this year’s competition.  Norcross fielded two teams for the first time.  Both teams advanced in the top 30 after the first four preliminary rounds.  Under competition rules, each school was permitted to field only one team in the state finals tournament, so the Norcross team for the finals included members from both teams.

Norcross earned more outstanding attorney and witness awards than ever before, a total of 25.

Outstanding attorney awards:  Martin Lachev (5 awards), Moira Christ (3), Jordan Katz (3), Khadijah Akbar, Elyse Loew.

Outstanding witness awards: Mallory Lane (5), Ainsley Clayton (4), Aidan Moss (2), Nina Ballerstedt.

Members of the combined team were — Seniors: Attorneys Khadijah Akbar, Moira Christ, Martin Lachev, and Salma Glili; Witnesses Ainsley Clayton, Teagan Crye, and Mallory Lane.  Juniors: Witnesses Aidan Moss and Zach Susskind.  Sophomores:  Attorneys Jordan Katz, Elyse Loew, and Muhan Zhao; Witnesses Nina Ballerstedt, Evan Banks, and Jennifer Castro; Timekeeper Heather Harris.

“Mock trial is one of the most rewarding activities I’ve ever done. I’ve made close friends, learned to think on my feet, and refined my public speaking skills,” Martin Lachev said.

Mock trial is a competitive academic team. It helps students enhance public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while fostering self-confidence in a team environment. Participation in mock trial teaches students about courtroom procedures; it also shows students the mechanism through which society resolves many disputes. Students combine aspects of debate and drama to present the trial of a fictional case and receive scores from actual judges and lawyers. They must learn and absorb a lengthy compilation of complex material inside and out, then analyze how to present that information in a persuasive way.

“Joining NHS Mock Trial has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have loved every minute I’ve spent in mock trial, and I have learned so much not only about the law and our legal system, but about what it means to truly be part of a team,” Ainsley Clayton said.

More than 100 schools in Georgia typically participate in mock trial competitions. Georgia’s competition is overseen by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia under the direction of Michael Nixon, without whose efforts the event could not happen.

The Norcross HS team is coached by NHS social studies teacher Hal Wright and by local attorneys Rich Harris, Matt McGahren, and Skip Hudgins.

“Coaching mock trial is the most fun and fulfilling thing I do as a lawyer.  The hard work, talent, and dedication of every single member of the team is a joy to see, and the brilliance of these students gives me hope for the future,” Harris said.

Source: Release and quotes gathered and provided by Rich Harris