University Retirees Volunteer Center

Volunteer Opportunity 

Summer 2026 Mock Trial Juries

at Mitchell-Hamline School of Law

Saturday, July 18

Wednesday, August 5

Thursday, August 6

Program Overview: 

• The Mitchell Hamline School of Law Advocacy courses need jurors for two different courses, Expert Witness Advocacy and Advanced Advocacy. 
• Expert Witness Advocacy students have been working side-by-side with climate scientists from across the country through a partnership with the Union of Concerned Scientists. The students will participate in a jury trial on Saturday, July 18, 2026. 
• Advanced Advocacy students have been exploring the world of civil litigation while being guided by a team of working professionals to hone their courtroom skills. The students will put their skills to the test on Wednesday, August 5, and Thursday, August 6. 

Volunteer Role:

• Jurors will be assigned to one of several courtrooms for separate trial experiences. Due to the nature of the jury experience, a selection process will not be necessary, and we will do our best to assign individuals who sign up together in the same room when requested. 
• Jurors will have the opportunity to deliberate and reach a verdict, announce the verdict in court, and ask questions about the course make-up and learning process as appropriate. 
• Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for any and all days they are available to participate. 

Volunteer Eligibility and Training: 

• No Requirements

Location, Date, Time: 

• Expert Witness Advocacy Trials take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Volunteers should arrive by 9:00 am and are expected to conclude by approximately 4:00 pm. 
• Advanced Advocacy Trials will take place on Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6, 2026. Volunteers should arrive by 8:00 am and are expected to conclude by approximately 3:00 pm. 

Parking/Transportation:

• The trials will be held at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, located at 875 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105.
• Parking is available in the Mitchell Hamline parking lot in any unreserved space. Street parking is also available nearby.
• Building security will have a list of volunteer names and will allow entry through the front entrance near the flagpole. Please use the buzzer for access to the building.
• Once inside, take either the elevator located near the security desk or the stairs to the second floor. The trials will be held in multiple courtrooms on the second floor and you will be informed of your assigned room prior to the volunteer date. 

Volunteers' food/beverage availability:

A light lunch will be provided.

To register, select the date/shift below; check the box in the column on the right.

Or, contact University Retirees Volunteer Center

by email at URVC@UMN.EDU (preferred) or by phone at 612-625-8016