Florida Justice Association's Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition Returns to Orlando in 2016

    ORLANDO, FL, September 30, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Eight law schools will participate in the Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition at the Orange County Courthouse on Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2. Hosted by the Young Lawyers' Section of the Florida Justice Association (FJA), this year marks the second time that the mock trial competition has been held in Orlando after moving from Tampa in 2015.

"Everyone is welcome to come and see the excellent advocacy skills of our next generation of attorneys," said Vanessa Brice, co-chair of the FJA Mock Trial and an associate attorney with Orlando law firm Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter.

During a mock trial, students are divided into four-person teams comprising two attorneys and two witnesses. The students try the entirety of the case, from opening statements to direct and cross examination of witnesses, objections and motions to closing arguments - everything lawyers do in a "real" trial.

With local attorneys serving as the "jurors" who score the teams and actual judges from the Central Florida region presiding over each round, the competition has achieved significant prestige through participation of local legal luminaries. Paul Byron, the U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, will preside over the final round.

"Our local judiciary's willingness to participate in the development of these future lawyers is incomparable," Brice said.

At competition, teams argue both sides of the case, with the two preliminary rounds on Saturday morning allowing teams to represent both the plaintiff and defendant. The four winning teams from the first round will proceed to a semi-final on Sunday morning. The two remaining teams will advance to the final round on Sunday afternoon.

The winning and runner-up teams will be awarded scholarships. Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter will sponsor a special function Saturday night honoring the best attorneys from each round, with the best attorney/oralist at the competition receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

The FJA Mock Trial is an exciting opportunity for the Central Florida legal community to see talented future attorneys hone their skills:

"I have coached, participated in and judged dozens of mock trial competitors," said Jacksonville, Florida, attorney Jamie Holland about last year's mock trial. "None are as well-run as the competition put on by the Young Lawyers' Section of the FJA - this is an opportunity not to be missed."

About Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter

Founded in 2005, Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter tries personal injury, product defect, medical malpractice, wrongful death and other claims in Orlando and throughout Florida. Lawyers at the firm also represent clients in insurance claim litigation and disability benefits applications and appeals.

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