SCOE | Volunteers

Volunteers

We Need Your Help for This Year's Competition!

The annual Gordon D. Schaber (GDS) Competition is an educational law program that helps youth develop knowledge and awareness of the judicial system and increases their understanding of courtroom procedures and the rule of law. Each year about 25 Sacramento area high schools participate in the Competition.

There are two ways that you can be involved and use your expertise in a courtroom setting to help budding "Perry Masons."

Serve As a Judge or Scoring Attorney

Volunteers are needed to serve as scoring attorneys and presiding judges for the Mock Trial Competitions. As a volunteer, you will sit in the jury box and score, or sit on the bench and preside, while students, acting as witnesses and lawyers, try an entire case in a timed exchange.

2027 Mock Trial Dates

Rounds will take place in person at the Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse. The Mock Trial Finals will be held at the Robert T. Matsui Federal Courthouse. Download the 2027 Mock Trial Case Brief (coming soon) to learn more about this year‘s case.

Mock Trial Round 1 –– Monday, January 25 • 5:30 - 9:30 PM
Mock Trial Round 2 –– Wednesday, January 27 • 5:30 - 9:30 PM
Mock Trial Round 3–– Tuesday, February 2 • 5:30 - 9:30 PM
Mock Trial Round 4 –– Thursday, February 4 • 5:30 - 9:30 PM
Mock Trial Quarterfinals (top 8 teams)–– Saturday, February 6 • 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Mock Trial Semifinals (top 4 teams)–– Saturday, February 6 • 12:30 - 4:00 PM
Mock Trial Finals –– Wednesday, February 10 • 4:45 – 7:30 PM

Volunteer As a School Attorney Coach

Attorney Coaches are needed to provide ongoing assistance and training in the rule of law and courtroom procedures, and to assist teams in developing their arguments for the Mock Trial competition. For more information or to volunteer as an attorney coach: