Hinsdale Central Mock Trial Team Wins Illinois State Bar Association Invitational

Photo: Front row: Eric Chang, Zach Wong, Madeleine Lofchy, Paul Cumberland. Second row: David Schwab, Katie Rodgers, Liz Keller, Neha Basti, Chris Freiler (coach). Back row: Mary Kay Hines-Kelly (attorney coach), Diva Harsoor, Martin Berg, Jim Walker. Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

The Hinsdale Central High School Mock Trial Team won the Illinois State Bar Association Invitational. The event was held at the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign.

This victory represents the Hinsdale Central’s third championship in the past 4 years, after winning second place in 2014, and the school’s 11th win overall, the most of any team in state history. The team earned a perfect score in the final round, ending the competition with a flawless finish.

Paul Cumberland received individual recognition as “Outstanding Witness.”

“Our team has set itself a high bar for their performance,” said Coach Chris Freiler. “Having been to nationals before, we are focused first on ensuring that we perform to our capabilities in each trial—making sure that we hit all the fundamentals and thinking on our feet. We’d like to earn a trophy, which would put us in the top 10 and, of course, enjoy the experience of interacting with other like-minded and excellent teams.”

Mock trial requires students to perform as attorneys and witnesses competing against teams from around the state. Team members must learn affidavits and expert reports, and also analyze and use numerous pieces of evidence. A trial consists of opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations and closing arguments.

This year’s team includes: seniors Madeleine Lofchy and Zach Wong; juniors Neha Basti, Paul Cumberland, Liz Keller, Katie Rodgers, and Jim Walker; sophomores Martin Berg, Eric Chang, and David Schwab; and freshman Diva Harsoor.

The team will advance to the national competition to be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, in May.

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