MLM Attorney Katie Mulligan Judges High School Mock Trial
This January, MLM attorney Katie Mulligan had the pleasure of serving as a judge in a state-wide competition between Massachusetts high school mock trial teams. In her second year participating as a volunteer judge, Katie again had the opportunity to mentor students and help them learn more about the judicial system.
During the competition, high school students try their cases in real court rooms in a “mock trial” format. Volunteer attorneys judge the competition, hearing a mini trial presented by the students and then rendering a decision on the case. More importantly to the participating students, the judge determines which team argued more persuasively and thus won their case and the competition.
The opportunity to serve as “judge”, even in a mock trial format, gives Katie the chance to see the court room from a different vantage point, sitting in the judge’s seat, ruling on evidence and objections, and overseeing the “trial.” But she has found that the most rewarding aspect of the role as judge is helping kids learn about something she is so passionate about—the legal profession and trial practice.
Following the trial, there is time for a feedback session, where the judge can debrief with the students and provide candid feedback about their case and individual performances. Katie relishes this part of the experience, as it gives her the opportunity to educate the participating students and encourage their interest in the legal profession. Katie has found that the students really enjoy this part of the process, almost as much as her.
Katie is an experienced litigator who joined Murphy, Lamere & Murphy, P.C. in 2024. Katie has litigated cases at courts and administrative agencies throughout Massachusetts. Her practice at MLM includes all aspects of municipal and school law, with a primary focus in litigation, collective bargaining, education, and labor and employment law.
