Hear From the
YLD President

Aloha,

This month, the Young Lawyers Division is honored to host the 2026 Hawai‘i High School Mock Trial Competition! This year marks a historic milestone: a record-breaking 22 teams representing public and private schools across O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island.

From the hallowed halls of the First and Second Circuit Courts to the pinnacle of our judicial system at the Supreme Court of the State of Hawai‘i, these students are not just playing a role; they are discovering the power of their voices. On March 7, one team will rise to represent the spirit of Hawai‘i at the National Championship in Des Moines, Iowa.

While this competition cultivates sharp critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking skills in Hawai’i’s youth, its true foundation is the selflessness and kuleana of our community.

We are humbled by the 38 judges, 30 coaches, and 60 volunteers who bridge the gap between the classroom and the courtroom. These individuals have chosen to look beyond their demanding caseloads and personal lives to invest in the next generation. We see coaches with no prior school affiliations stepping up to guide and teach teams; judges opening their courtrooms and offering their expertise on their personal time; and volunteers, from law students to veteran practitioners, dedicating entire weekends to ensure every student has a professional, transformative experience. Without each of these individuals, this Competition would not be remotely possible.

This is more than a competition; it is a collective act of social responsibility. It is a testament to the belief that our duty extends beyond our desks and into the heart of our community.

To maintain the excellence of this program, we are still seeking volunteers to serve as courtroom monitors during the preliminary rounds on February 21 and 28. Your presence ensures that these students have the stage they deserve to showcase their hard work. If you are ready to give back, please reach out to us at yldmocktrial@gmail.com.

Follow our journey and stay updated on our upcoming events via our website and Instagram. Together, we are not just promoting a career in the legal profession, rather, we are building a legacy of service

Mahalo,
Lauren Watanabe