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The Future of Law: LHS Students Shine in Mock Trial Competition

  • Writer: The Lawrencian
    The Lawrencian
  • Mar 4
  • 2 min read

Written by: Sayeesh Sivakumar (‘29)


On January 31st 2026, the Mock Trial team made LHS history at the Mercer County Mock Trial Tournament in Trenton, marking a new record for the team. Stationed in the Mercer County Civil Courthouse, the Mock Trial team competed against 7 other schools, beating out Notre Dame, Stuart, Central Valley, and West-Windsor Plainsboro for their semifinal spot. 


(Left to Right) Members Sai Vasudevan, Preeta Cyrus, Olivia Doliwa, Stephen Cooper, Hirsch Patel, Cole Settimi, Sayeesh Sivakumar, Jacqueline Fuller, Andrew Dauber, Ryleigh Cooper, and Laya Menon.
(Left to Right) Members Sai Vasudevan, Preeta Cyrus, Olivia Doliwa, Stephen Cooper, Hirsch Patel, Cole Settimi, Sayeesh Sivakumar, Jacqueline Fuller, Andrew Dauber, Ryleigh Cooper, and Laya Menon.

In front of some of the best attorneys and judges in the state of New Jersey, the Mock Trial team presented the compelling case of Devon Ransom, a college student arrested for swatting, or reporting a fake emergency to the police, and in this case, a hostile terrorist situation. The student witnesses employed their dramatic ability and quick thinking to embody the characters of several key figures in the case, maintaining their composure through rigorous, pointed cross-examination by the opposing side. Meanwhile, the four student attorneys (pictured below) harnessed their legal knowledge, argumentative skills, and persuasive storytelling to craft a narrative that convinced the judges and led to their progress in the competition.

Student attorneys Preeta Cyrus, Sai Vasudevan, Hirsch Patel, and Stephen Cooper.
Student attorneys Preeta Cyrus, Sai Vasudevan, Hirsch Patel, and Stephen Cooper.

“From long nights and early mornings, I’ve watched this team struggle, laugh, and object together, growing so fast to be able to carry our team to the semifinals for the first time”, says senior Stephen Cooper, who is Captain of the Mock Trial team.


Following the revival of the club in 2022 by LHS History and Special Education teacher Mr. Lonzson, the team has steadily grown every year, marking significant milestones along the way. As the Mock Trial season comes to a close, the team looks forward to whatever success the next year will bring their way, while forever remembering the milestone of this year.



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