Founded in 2003, the club has achieved remarkable success over the past two decades, winning numerous regional competitions, and even the state championship, while earning a reputation as one of the most competitive and successful high school mock trial programs in New Jersey.
The program is fortunate to have assistant coaches that competed in the program, and attorney coaches that all have had sons that graduated from Oratory. OP Mock Trial is a program that has always given its members the opportunity to learn about the law, but more importantly, it has taught them how to argue effectively, speak with more conviction and confidence, and grow into stronger analytical thinkers. Members of the program routinely credit their mock trial experiences for several of their meaningful accomplishments in college and in their careers.
Led by Mr. Bill Martin, the club’s moderator since its inception, and supported by a passionate community of current students, alumni, and families, the Oratory Prep Mock Trial Club has consistently demonstrated excellence in all aspects of mock trial competition, including trial preparation, legal argumentation, and public speaking. The team's success has been built on a foundation of hard work, commitment, and a passion for the law and the justice system. The club’s lasting popularity and ongoing achievement attests to its member’s dedication to the pursuit of legal knowledge and advocacy, as well as to the outstanding quality of Oratory’s students and faculty.
“It has been my absolute pleasure working with the young men in this program over the past twenty years,” says Mr. Martin. “This program has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career as an educator. The members of our teams have excelled in both the courtroom and in their personal and professional pursuits later in life. I am so proud of each and every one of them.”
Over the program's history, OP Mock Trial has captured 5 Central Region championships as well as the 2012 state title, one 2nd place finish, and two 3rd place finishes, in total. The team has held the county title a whopping 16 times.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Mock Trial alumni gathered at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park on the evening of April 21st for a special reception hosted by Bob and Mary Scirocco, parents of Mark ’06 and Stephen ’07. Alumni recalled stories of practices and competitions, life-long lessons learned, and debated the title of the club’s all-time best team. Featuring remarks from Mr. Martin, the event was an opportunity to reflect on the club's remarkable achievements over the past twenty years and to recognize the contributions of the many students and supporters who have made its success possible.
Oratory Prep is excited to share this milestone with the community. Mock Trial has been an integral part of the school's identity for 20 years, and it remains poised for many more years of success to come.