CALL 24/7Four of our lawyers spent last week immersed in Windsor’s legal education community — but not in a courtroom representing clients. They were helping high school students experience what it is like to argue a case, examine witnesses, and think like lawyers.
The 2026 OBA/OJEN Competitive Mock Trials took place at the Superior Court of Justice in Windsor from April 20-22, bringing together 10 teams of students from across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent to compete in a simulated criminal trial.
This year marked another successful partnership between the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN), and the OBA Foundation. Our firm was proud to play a role.
What Are Mock Trials?
Mock trials give high school students hands-on experience with the legal system by simulating real courtroom proceedings.
Teams of up to eight students take on roles as Crown prosecutors, defence counsel, and witnesses. They research law, develop legal arguments, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and present their case to actual judges — just as lawyers do in real trials.
These aren’t casual classroom exercises. Mock trial competitions follow real courtroom procedures and rules of evidence. Students must think on their feet, respond to objections, adapt their strategy based on what happens during testimony, and deliver persuasive closing arguments.
Superior Court and Ontario Court judges preside over the trials and evaluate student performances. The experience gives young people insight into how justice works, what lawyers do, and whether legal careers might interest them.
This Year’s Competition
The 2026 OBA/OJEN Competitive Mock Trials in Windsor ran in round-robin format over three days at 245 Windsor Avenue (entrance on Chatham Street). Semi-finals took place on April 20, with finals held on April 22. Sessions ran from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ten teams from Windsor and Chatham-Kent competed this year, working through a hypothetical criminal case involving bicycle theft and charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Schools participating in the competition are typically matched with local lawyer coaches who volunteer their time to help students prepare oral arguments, understand courtroom procedures, and develop their advocacy skills.
Ursuline College Chatham took the championship — their third consecutive win, making them the current three-peat victors of the competition.
Greg Monforton & Partners’ Involvement
Our firm’s participation this year included both behind-the-scenes organization and direct coaching.
Senior Associate Jaclyn Habas and Associate Myla Picco both served on the organizing committee. They volunteered as scorers throughout the competition, evaluating student performance and providing feedback that helps young advocates improve their skills.
Both Amanda and Jacqui invested significant time outside their caseloads to prepare these students. More than just teaching legal skills, they were actively showing young people what it means to advocate effectively and think critically about justice.
Associate Amanda Mustapha coached the team from Riverside High School, guiding students through case preparation, witness examination techniques, and courtroom strategy.
Associate Jacqueline Staley coached the Cardinal Carter High School team, working with students to develop their arguments and build confidence presenting in front of judges.
Why The Mock Trials Matter
Mock trials do more than teach students about law. They build critical thinking, public speaking, and analytical skills that serve students regardless of what careers they eventually choose. For some participants, mock trials spark genuine interest in legal careers. They see what lawyers do beyond what’s portrayed on television. They experience the preparation, strategy, and quick thinking required to represent someone effectively.
At Greg Monforton & Partners, we look forward to volunteering at events like the OBA/OJEN Competitive Mock Trials. We believe in supporting legal education and giving the next generation an opportunity to understand and experience the justice system.
Congratulations to all the students who competed, to the coaches who guided them, to the judges who presided, and especially to Ursuline College Chatham on their impressive three-peat victory.
Thank you to Jaclyn, Myla, Amanda, and Jacqui for representing our firm and showing Windsor-Essex students what it means to be a lawyer who cares about their community.
