A Tradition of Excellence.

For over 24 years, our team has been a potent Mock Trial Force in the Midwest. Here is our story.

History

In 1997, Notre Dame Mock Trial (NDMT) was created as a completely student-run organization. Renown Attorney William Dwyer (‘69) of Chicago, Illinois volunteered to assist students in preparing for competition and tournaments.

By 2001, Notre Dame’s Mock Trial was formally incorporated as a course offering in the College of Arts & Letters through the assistance and generosity of the Aiello Family and William Dwyer, and the administrative support of Asst. Dean Ava Preacher and Deans Mark Roche and John McGreevey. Dwyer taught the course and served as head coach of the Notre Dame Mock Trial Program for twelve years until retiring in 2013. He was succeeded by NDMT alum and AMTA award-winner Drew Haase (BA ‘06, JD ‘09) who continued the tradition of excellence until his unexpected death in April, 2015. At Nationals, AMTA renamed the Spirit of AMTA award after Haase, who inspired not only his teammates and students, but all of the Association with his zeal and dedication.

In 2019, the program became entirely student-run. That same season, the program sent one team to the National Championship Tournament, and has continued to do so since 2022.