The students of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Mock Trial team would be honored to have you judge our third annual Thanksgiving Classic at the Isenberg School of Management this November 16th, 17th and 18th.

The Thanksgiving Classic is a part of the American Mock Trial Association’s national competition and one of the final tournaments leading up to the regional competition. This year, teams will be competing in a civil trial that arises out of a wrongful death suit from a scuba diving accident that occurred while a newlywed couple was on their honeymoon.

Last year we had over thirty colleges and universities participate in our tournament, ranging from Boston College to the University of Wisconsin! Over 80 members from the legal community, including judges, prosecutors, private and government attorneys, law professors, and other legal professionals also participated in the event by generously donating their time to judge one or more trials. This year we hope to expand our rich field of judges and further enhance the learning experience of our participating students. That's where you come in.

We are seeking approximately 100 people to judge this year's tournament. We would gladly welcome volunteers for the entire weekend or specific trial time(s). Trials (including a 30 minute judge’s meeting) will run as follows:

*Friday November 16th* *Round 1*: *6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.*

*Saturday November 17th* *Round 2*: *8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.*

*Saturday November 17th* *Round 3*: *1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.*

*Sunday November 18th * *Round 4: **8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.*

Light food and beverages will be available for judges before each trial.

Being a mock trial judge requires a basic understanding of the rules of evidence and procedure, but does not require any experience as a litigator or trial attorney. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact team co-Captain Steve Darcy at umassmock@gmail.com.

We greatly appreciate your consideration, and we hope to see you in the fall.