By Isabella Haddock
In a season already rich with achievement, Mendham High School’s Mock Trial team adds yet another chapter to its renowned legacy. Following a string of victories at the New Jersey Law Center, the team earned an invitation to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. This will be Mendham’s seventh trip to nationals, and perhaps its most meaningful yet.
The final round of the New Jersey State Mock Trial Championship took place on March 26th at the New Jersey Law Center. Mendham faced off against longtime rival Mainland Regional High School in a match that would decide who would represent the state at the national level. The plaintiff team, having already secured a key win in the semifinals, delivered what many described as a near-flawless performance in the final, with sharper cross-examinations, stronger direct testimony, seamless objection handling, and confident closing arguments.
Though they did not leave the state final with the official title, the Mendham plaintiff team delivered an impressive performance recognized by nearly everyone in the courtroom. Their techniques, objections, and presence on both direct and cross examinations were regarded as exceptional. “At the end of the trial, nearly everyone in the courtroom firmly believed that Mendham was the winner,” said plaintiff attorney Ryan Smith. “There was no hesitation regarding who had outperformed.”
That belief, however, was not reflected in the final ruling, when Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court Stuart Rabner and Passaic County judge Marilyn Clark delivered a decision in favor of Mainland.
“I felt like our team performed very well - definitely one of our strongest trials of the year,” said Mr. Eric Heditsch, longtime advisor to Mendham Mock. “I really don't know what else we could have done. Unfortunately, in mock trial, it's difficult to know exactly how the judges perceive what is happening in the courtroom. Mainland was a very strong opponent, and it was truly a championship-level battle, but our team was disappointed that we didn't get the call.” Though the judges awarded the final to Mainland Regional, their team was unable to attend nationals due to insufficient numbers. As a result, Mendham, the runner-up with a full and prepared roster, was officially selected to represent New Jersey, an opportunity that many on the team feel reflects the strength of their performance.
Their journey to that point was already historic. This winter, Mendham claimed its 20th consecutive county title, defeating Delbarton School in the finals at the historic Morris County Courthouse and reaching the milestone of 100 consecutive county wins. With a roster that featured multiple first-time competitors, the team’s success went beyond titles, demonstrating rapid development and drive.
“This has been one of the most rewarding seasons of Mendham Mock,” said Mr. Heditsch. “We had four attorneys with no attorney experience, and six witnesses, all in their first year as well, and we not only won our county and region, but made it all the way to the state championship. Our initial goal every year is to compete for that county title and try to extend the county title streak—reaching number 20 this year reflects the talents and hard work of our students, and speaks for itself in terms of our team's legacy.”
Now, the team is turning its attention to Phoenix and preparing for what is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous competitions in the country. “The national case is far more difficult than our state case,” Heditsch explained. “The fact pattern is more complicated, the witness statements are much more thorough, and there are far more exhibits. We also must work up the case in a very condensed time frame, about five weeks. I felt like it might take us some time to crank it back up, but the team has surprised me with their intensity and enthusiasm coming off such a difficult outcome in the finals. I really admire their ability to shake it off and dive right back in.”
With the pressure of county titles and state legacy behind them, the team is focused on sharpening their arguments, mastering the case facts, and representing New Jersey on a national stage, where they will compete against the top teams from every state.
“As for nationals,” Mr. Heditsch added, “we feel confident we'll be competitive and show that we belong there, alongside the state champions from across the nation. It has been, and will be, quite a bit of work, but once we get there, it will also be a lot of fun. It will be a great experience for our students to represent New Jersey on the national stage and meet the other teams from across the nation.”
“With nationals in Arizona quickly approaching, there’s a lot on my mind as Mendham Mock Trial’s captain,” writes senior Liv Piacenti. “Most importantly, I’m focused on keeping our team as sharp as we were at states. Luckily, I adore my team, and I’m confident that our Nationals run will be even stronger than our season here in New Jersey.”
Piacenti, a four-year team member, credits much of their success to strong bonds and consistent effort. “I actually look forward to running case procedures for hours because of them,” she said. “To keep our bonds strong, we organize regular ‘mock bondings’—playing Jackbox, hanging at Ryan’s house, or roasting marshmallows in my fire pit.”
She emphasized that individual preparation is just as critical as group practice. “Even though we meet six days a week, Mock success depends heavily on individual effort,” she said, including writing arguments, memorizing affidavits, and building timelines. “It means we spend less time on paperwork and more time solving problems.”
“Without Ryan, our brilliant attorneys and witnesses, and our amazing coaches—Mr. Heditsch and Mr. Connelly—there would be no 2025 state run, and no shot at Nationals,” she wrote.
As the team boards their flight to Phoenix in May, they do so with a renewed sense of determination. The final verdict in New Jersey may not have gone their way, but in Phoenix, they’ll have the opportunity to remind everyone why they belonged there all along.