Jessica Poley reaches final in Montgomery County DA's Mock Trial competition, reflects on challenges and triumphs

Jessica Poley, a second-year student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, reached the finals of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Summer Intern Mock Trial Competition, securing second place in an event that brought together some of the brightest law students in the region. The competition, now in its 24th year, is known for its rigorous demands, pushing participants to apply their legal knowledge in scenarios that closely mimic real-world courtroom battles.

For Poley, the experience was as much about personal growth and skill development as it was about competing. “This competition was the first time I truly prepped a trial like a practicing attorney would,” she said. “I’ve participated in mock trials before, but this was different. It wasn’t just about competing against other students—it was about going head-to-head with seasoned trial attorneys who do this for a living.”

Poley’s preparation was intense. Alongside her first-round partner, she delved deep into witness statements and affidavits to build a strong case theory. “We had to figure out what facts were bad for our case and how to combat them,” she explained. “It was about highlighting the good while getting ahead of the bad.” This meticulous approach helped Poley and her partner advance to the final round, where they faced the ultimate test: presenting their case before a jury of experienced prosecutors, including Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele.

The final round of the competition saw Poley teaming up with Rebecca Hitchiner from Widener University Delaware Law School. Despite the challenge of merging their cases on short notice, the duo’s themes aligned seamlessly. “Rebecca’s strength was in narrowing down the key pieces of evidence, while mine was in carrying our theme through every part of the case,” Poley said.

The competition involved eight second-year law students who were certified legal summer interns, approved under Pennsylvania law by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, allowing them to practice law in Magisterial District Court and the Court of Common Pleas under the guidance of assistant district attorneys. The mock trial focused on a fictitious murder case fraught with legal hurdles, designed to challenge even the most prepared participants.

Poley's journey through the competition was marked by both highs and lows. Presenting a case to a jury of seasoned prosecutors was nerve-wracking. “These are people who do this every day, and they’ll catch any mistake,” Poley recalled. “I was hyper-aware of everything I was doing I didn’t want to make any incorrect arguments. But when I received positive feedback, it was empowering. It showed me I was doing something right.”

Throughout the summer, Poley and her fellow interns had the opportunity to handle real legal proceedings, including hearings for people on parole or probation, guilty pleas, and summary appeals, under the supervision of experienced attorneys. These experiences, combined with her academic training at Widener Law Commonwealth, provided her with the foundation she needed to excel in the competition. “Classes like trial methods and my involvement in the Trial Advocacy Honor Society laid the groundwork for my trial advocacy skills,” she noted. “They helped me get comfortable in the courtroom and put into practice what I’ve learned.”

Poley’s second-place finish in the competition is a testament to her hard work and dedication, but for her, the most significant takeaway was the invaluable experience gained. “This competition taught me to think critically about my strengths and areas where I can improve,” she said. “Even small details can be fatal to a case.”

Looking ahead, Poley is more committed than ever to pursuing a career in criminal prosecution. “This summer confirmed that I’m meant to do this work,” she said. “The competition not only solidified my passion for the field but also provided me with invaluable insights into the realities of practicing law.”

The competition, which also included law students from multiple regional law schools, highlighted the importance of hands-on experience in legal education. As Deputy District Attorney Kelly Lloyd, who served as the judge for the final round, remarked, “These mock trials are not just about winning or losing. They’re about learning, adapting, and preparing the next generation of attorneys for the challenges they will face in the courtroom.”