The JGHC Summer Scholars Institute Mock Trial Intensive is an immersive camp for high school students interested in law and courtroom procedures. Led by Maria Gerber鈥攁 USF alumna and experienced attorney with nearly 30 years of practice in 爱污传媒鈥攖his program provides students with essential skills in legal advocacy, critical thinking, and public speaking.
With support from collegiate mock trial competitors, students will explore courtroom fundamentals, including opening statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. The camp culminates in a mock trial held at Stetson Law School, giving participants real-world experience in a professional setting and a valuable introduction to the legal field.
JGHC Mock Trial Intensive Details
Camp Director: Maria Gerber, Esq.
Location: USF St. Petersburg
Grade Levels: Entering 10th - 12th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Dates: TBD
Cost: TBD
What to Expect
Hands-On Legal Training for High Schoolers
Your child will gain an introduction to the American legal system through hands-on training in courtroom procedures. Guided by collegiate competitors and law students, they鈥檒l learn courtroom decorum, trial strategies, and participate in stop-and-go drills to refine their skills.
Rigorous Skill Development and Real-World Practice
This intensive program requires commitment and practice outside the classroom. Students will develop critical thinking, rhetorical skills, and public speaking, all essential for advocacy. Each day brings challenging exercises that prepare them for the final mock trial at Stetson Law School.
Exclusive Insights from Law Experts
Throughout the week, students will attend panels with legal experts and law school admissions leaders. Highlights include a panel with faculty experts, an admissions talk by Stetson Law鈥檚 Dean of Admissions, and career insights from practicing legal professionals.
Showcase Trial and Award Ceremony
The experience culminates in a full mock trial at Stetson Law School, where families can watch students put their skills to the test. The trial is followed by a closing reception and award ceremony, celebrating each participant鈥檚 growth and achievements.
The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive offers high school students a unique chance to dive into the world of law and gain real courtroom experience in St. Petersburg. Led by accomplished attorney Maria Gerber, a USF alumna with nearly 30 years of legal experience, this program equips students with essential advocacy, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Participants will receive hands-on training from collegiate competitors and law students, building their confidence and proficiency in courtroom procedures.
Beyond skill development, this week-long camp provides invaluable exposure to the legal profession, featuring panels with legal experts and culminating in a mock trial at Stetson Law School. This intensive program prepares students for future studies in law and equips them with essential communication and reasoning skills applicable in any field. Sign up now to unlock an unforgettable summer experience and take your first step toward a future in law!
Useful Information
Registration & Camp Details
When does registration open for the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
Registration for all 2026 summer programs will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive has a capacity of 32.
What is the Judy Genshaft Honors College Summer Scholars Institute?
The Judy Genshaft Honors College Summer Scholar Institute features a series of summer camps crafted in partnership with the Judy Genshaft Honors College. These camps provide exceptional learning experiences that blend the extensive resources of a top research university with the personal attention and supportive community typically found in smaller institutions.
Where is the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive located?
The JGHC Mock Trial Intensive is located at the USF St. Petersburg Campus. We will share the exact program location closer to the start date, and all details will be emailed to you in advance.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
Our staff will be ready to welcome your student for drop-off at 8:50 AM at the USF St. Petersburg Campus, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.
Staff & Safety
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff who will be leading the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
Maria Gerber graduated from Stetson College of Law in 1994 and has been licensed to practice law in 爱污传媒 for 29 years. Ms. Gerber was a prosecutor for the Sixth Judicial Circuit located in Pinellas/Pasco County before going into private practice. Ms. Gerber owns and operates Gerber Law, PA and represents accident injury victims throughout Central and Southwest 爱污传媒. Ms. Gerber is a 爱污传媒 native, and graduate of the 爱污传媒. She has taught search and seizure and use of force at the police academy, and criminal procedure and constitutional law to high school students. She owns and operates INVICTUS Advocacy Academy which trains high school students in forensics, including speech, debate, moot court and mock trial. She has coached state, regional and national champions in all genres. Ms. Gerber has coached collegian mock trial and moot court. Her primary areas of focus are rhetoric, logic and the art of persuasion which she teaches by utilizing her experience, education and training as a practicing attorney. Ms. Gerber has a sincere heart and particular passion for instructing the youth in mock trial.
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF鈥檚 youth protection and safety training.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive?
Yes, the JGHC Mock Trial Intensive is eligible for Rocky鈥檚 Residents, a residential add-on offered for select high school programs. This option provides 6 days and 5 nights of supervised on-campus housing, meals, and evening programming that supports community building and exposure to university life.
How can I register for Rocky's Residents residential add-on?
During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.
How much does the Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?
The cost for Rocky's Residents is $1,395 per camper. This includes:
路 6 days and 5 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
路 All meals provided at USF Dining Halls
路 Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
路 Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges,
and more
路 Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
路 A campus tour and presentations from USF Admissions and Student Success
路 Evening events with student organizations and USF faculty
路 Laundry facilities for campers' use
路 24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support
Does the Rocky鈥檚 Residents option cover the Saturday session at Stetson Law?
Participant Requirements and Expectations
Are there additional commitments after the daily sessions are over?
In addition to attending daily sessions, students are expected to spend time outside of these sessions collaborating with their team on the case. A unique feature of this camp is the Mock Trial event, which will take place on Saturday, July 11, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Stetson Law School. Please note that all students participating in Rocky's Residents must be formally signed out on Friday, July 10, and will need to return the following day for the Mock Trial. We kindly ask that all parents attend this special culminating experience.
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel or transfer a camp registration, please email: youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the
camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp,
minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received
within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer.
No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days
attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed
from camp due to a violation of the camp鈥檚 conduct policy or code of behavior.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event
it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location,
you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is
up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules
a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
Take a look at photos from last year's JGHC Mock Trial Intensive
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