Sam Lyons ’25
Sam Lyons ’25
JD Student
Hometown
San Francisco, California
Undergraduate Institution
Boston University
Undergraduate Major(s)
Political Science and Public Relation
Year of Undergraduate Graduation
2022
Area(s) of Legal Interest
Intellectual Property, Civil Procedure and Evidence
What kind of support and resources do you find most helpful for prospective students considering Northeastern Law?
I found it most helpful to talk to actual students about their experiences.
What extracurricular activities have you been involved with at Northeastern Law?
IP Society, Mock Trial, USPTO Patent Drafting Competition, Student Bar Association (SBA)
What has been your favorite part about doing co-op while at Northeastern Law?
My favorite part of co-op was an opportunity to fly to Washington DC, where I got to watch my firm at trial in the ITC. On the day I went, some of the research I had done for the case was discussed.
Sam's Journal
My Experience Competing in the 2023–2024 National Mock Trial Competitionl
This past year, I had the opportunity to compete in the National Mock Trial Competition (NTC) with my partner, Alicia Cantrell. Representing Northeastern Law, we tackled challenges, sharpened our skills and got a sense of what trial advocacy might look like in practice.
Our Team and Preparation
Our team was two attorneys: myself and my partner, Alicia. Alicia’s roommate joined us as our witness, helping us practice by adding realism to our presentations. Over winter break, we received the case problem: State of Lone Star v. Justice Jackson, a fictional case involving Justice Jackson, who was charged with burglary and felony theft after allegedly breaking into a vintage clothing store and stealing two high-value fur coats. Justice Jackson, however, claimed an alibi, stating that he was with a friend watching TV during the time of the crime. Our task was to develop arguments for both the Prosecution and Defense, interpreting the facts to fit each side’s theory of the case.
In preparing, we drew heavily on what we’d learned in Evidence Law with Professor Rose Zoltek-Jick and Trial Practice with Professor Stuart Rossman. Using these foundations, we started analyzing the problem, creating strategies, and practicing our opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments throughout January. Since mock trials differ from real trials in many ways, adapting our approach took time and practice.
The Competition Experience
The NTC competition took place over three rounds in February at the state courthouse in Hartford, Connecticut. Each round, Alicia and I presented the case for one of the sides. The Prosecution argued that Justice Jackson was guilty based on evidence like CCTV footage, witness testimony and a suspicious fingerprint found on a pipe at the scene. Meanwhile, the Defense raised doubts about the reliability of this evidence and leaned on the alibi presented by Jackson’s friend.
The three rounds allowed us to develop our skills as we went, and we felt our confidence and accuracy improve. By the final round, we were able to deliver our arguments without relying on notes, which felt like a huge milestone. Winning that last round was a rewarding finish and highlighted how far we’d come since winter break.
Challenges and Learning Moments
Mock trial has a unique format with strict time constraints and specific conventions, which can be very different from real-world courtrooms. The constraints around timing and content forced us to simplify and condense our arguments into essential points. This was one of the biggest challenges initially, but it taught us to make our arguments concise and persuasive — skills that are useful in any legal setting.
Northeastern Law Support
Northastern Law’s support made a difference in our preparation. The Moot Courtroom on campus allowed us to practice in a realistic environment, which helped us get comfortable with the structure and feel of a courtroom. Professors offered helpful insights and guidance, especially with strategies around what judges tend to look for in rounds. These resources and support gave us the chance to improve and approach each round confidently.
Reflections
Competing in NTC gave me new insights into trial work. Applying what I’d learned in class to a realistic, challenging scenario deepened my appreciation for trial advocacy. I got to work on critical areas like public speaking, argument crafting and evidence handling, all under real-time pressure. This experience reminded me why I wanted to pursue law in the first place. I’d encourage any law student interested in litigation to consider getting involved in mock trial — it’s a great way to put skills into action and get a realistic view of trial practice.