Our History

The Hendrix Mock Trial team was founded in 2012 and was the first program in Arkansas to participate in collegiate-level Mock Trial. The Hendrix Mock Trial program is notable for being fully student-led. This model emphasizes peer collaboration and experiential learning while allowing students to compete against programs from across the country.

In its early years, the program quickly established itself as a developing regional competitor. Between 2012 and 2016, Hendrix teams competed at AMTA regional tournaments and invitationals across the South and Midwest, earning multiple individual awards for Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness performances. These early seasons laid the foundation for the program’s collaborative preparation model and student-driven case strategy. For years, Hendrix Alum Shawn Johnson ’98, an attorney with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, volunteered as the team’s coach. After being elected as a judge, Coach Johnson had to step aside to focus on his work. 

From 2016 through 2019, Hendrix Mock Trial expanded its competitive footprint, regularly fielding multiple teams at invitationals and competing against established programs. During this period, Hendrix's competitors earned numerous individual honors, including Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness awards at invitationals and other regional competitions. The team also posted winning records at several tournaments, earned bids to the Open Round Championships, and continued to strengthen its presence at AMTA Regional Championships. These seasons marked steady growth in both team depth and competitive performance.

Like many collegiate programs, Hendrix Mock Trial was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Competition interruptions and remote learning led to a sharp decline in team membership and activity. The program was revived by Keeley Ausburn '24, who rebuilt the team from a single active member into a functioning, competitive program. Through recruitment and renewed participation in tournaments, the team returned to regular AMTA competition.

In the 2025-2026, Hendrix Mock Trial reached a major milestone at the Texas Christian University MockFrogs Invitational. Competing against teams from across the region, Hendrix earned the program’s first Overall Team award since the pandemic and first Outstanding Attorney award, along with multiple Outstanding Witness honors. In Kansas City, the team received an Outstanding Attorney Award and the Spirit of the American Mock Trial Association (SPAMTA). Then, at Regionals, the team received an Honorable Mention bid for the Open Round Championship and an Outstanding Witness Award. The results marked the strongest tournament performance in program history and reflected the team’s continued growth.

Hendrix Mock Trial continues to compete at invitational tournaments and AMTA regional competitions, building on a foundation of student leadership and competitive development. As participation grows and success increases, the program is expanding its presence in collegiate mock trial and giving students hands-on courtroom experience.

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