Every year, Langdon & Emison is recognized as one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms by Best Lawyers, U.S. News and World Report, and other legal media guides. While the firm is honored by these distinctions, its attorneys believe that giving back to the community is just as important as the work done in the courtroom.
Participation in local legal associations, including the American Association for Justice and the Attorneys Information Exchange Group, gives our attorneys the chance to share knowledge and connect with others in the field. Ongoing learning matters, but so does supporting the next generation of legal minds who will one day step into the courtroom themselves.
One meaningful way that lawyers from Langdon & Emison enjoy giving back is sponsorship and participation in local mock trials and similar competitive activities.
Supporting the next generation of trial lawyers
Langdon & Emison is proud to be a long-standing Midwestern firm with close ties to the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s pre-law and law school programs. As a major sponsor of the UMKC Mock Trial team, we’re committed to supporting students with both funding and hands-on involvement.
UMKC Law runs several Mock Trial and Moot Court competitions each year. Students get to put their preparation and presentation skills to the test, often competing against teams from around the country. Our attorneys regularly step in as judges, giving students the chance to present their work before real trial lawyers.
We also enjoy mentoring and coaching these teams. It’s an opportunity to help students take their first steps into the world of courtroom advocacy and understand what it’s like to stand in front of a judge or a jury.
Why mock trial matters in legal education
Mock trial matters because it gives students a chance to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and try it out in a real, structured setting. Instead of studying cases from a distance, students get to step into the role of an advocate, handle evidence, talk to witnesses, and present arguments in front of a judge. It’s often the first time they see how legal rules play out in practice, and it helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world decision-making.
Mock trial also helps students build confidence. Standing up in front of others, thinking through unexpected questions, and explaining complex ideas in a clear way are all skills that develop over time. These programs give students a place to practice in a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. For many, it’s the moment they realize they can succeed in a courtroom setting someday.
There’s also a strong teamwork element that benefits students long after the competition ends. Preparing a case means dividing responsibilities, developing a shared strategy, and working through stressful moments together. Those early experiences with leadership and collaboration help students grow into steady, capable advocates who understand how important it is to work well with others.
Notably, a mock trial provides valuable exposure to the respectful, professional culture expected in real courtrooms. Students learn how to carry themselves with confidence and how to manage pressure in a constructive way. These experiences shape future litigators long before they enter the profession, and they help strengthen the quality of advocacy in communities across Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois.
Why service to legal education strengthens the justice system
Legal education is about far more than preparing for exams. It plays a direct role in shaping the strength and fairness of the civil justice system. When experienced lawyers take the time to guide future advocates, they help new attorneys understand the responsibility that comes with speaking for individuals and communities. Supporting legal education creates a pipeline of thoughtful, ethical trial lawyers who will one day stand beside injured clients and help them seek accountability.
Early mentorship also expands access to justice. Students who receive coaching and meaningful exposure to advocacy are better prepared to serve people who might otherwise struggle to navigate the legal system.
When firms invest in students, they strengthen the legal profession long before any case reaches a courtroom. That support helps preserve the quality, integrity, and future of trial work for the communities we serve.
[H3] What legal sponsors do for mock trial teams
So, how do your local personal injury attorneys help UMKC and other local mock trial teams prepare? Many offer financial support, helping teams cover expenses such as travel and lodging for competitions, as well as registration fees and materials.
Mentorship and coaching are other essential elements of sponsorship. We help students develop coherent legal arguments, answer questions about the fine points of the law, and provide actionable tips for presenting their arguments before the mock trial judge. In addition to coaching, attorneys from Langdon & Emison often volunteer to judge and score scrimmages and competitions, providing valuable feedback to the teams.
Contact Langdon & Emison for more information about sponsorship and support
Are you a Mock Trial club participant seeking a professional mentor to sponsor your team’s efforts? Maybe you’re founding a mock trial team at your own institution and need guidance to get started. At Langdon & Emison, we encourage aspiring litigators and legal students to reach out for community support, partnerships, and sponsorships. We believe in giving back to the community through education, mentorship, and direct sponsorship. Contact us online today or give us a call at (866) 931-2115 to discuss your ideas.
