It’s been festival season here in Wisconsin.

From local music gatherings to Oktoberfests and cranberry festivals, the tradition of local fêtes connects generations. Parents introduce children to experiences they once enjoyed themselves, grandparents tell stories, and neighbors reconnect. Communities come together both to celebrate their history and to create new memories for the future.

These traditions endure because each generation takes responsibility for passing them on. I’ve learned that the same is true for the values and institutions that support our system of justice. Every day, lawyers and judges play an important role in protecting the rule of law, ensuring access to justice, and strengthening public trust in our courts. And preserving those values for the future requires more than practicing law. It requires engaging and inspiring the next generation.

That is one reason the State Bar of Wisconsin’s High School Mock Trial Program is so important. Each year, hundreds of students from across Wisconsin prepare legal cases, develop arguments, examine witnesses, and present their cases before volunteer judges and attorneys. Along the way, they gain much more than courtroom experience. They learn critical thinking, teamwork, public speaking, and the importance of civil discourse. They gain a firsthand understanding of how our justice system works and why it matters.

For many students, mock trial is their first meaningful introduction to the legal profession. It allows them to envision themselves as advocates, leaders, and engaged citizens. Some participants will eventually become attorneys or judges. Others will pursue different paths. Wherever their futures lead, they leave with a deeper appreciation for the role law plays in our communities and our daily lives.

Like so many of Wisconsin’s cherished traditions, the Mock Trial Program succeeds because State Bar members generously share their time, knowledge, and experience. Volunteer coaches help students navigate legal concepts and develop confidence. Volunteer judges and evaluators provide constructive feedback and encouragement. Their guidance transforms a classroom exercise into an unforgettable educational experience.

What many volunteers discover is that the rewards flow both ways. Students bring enthusiasm, energy, and fresh perspectives. They ask thoughtful questions and challenge assumptions. They remind us why the principles of justice, fairness, and civic engagement matter. In a profession often defined by deadlines and demands, volunteering can be a powerful reminder of the impact we have beyond our daily work.

Mentorship has always been a cornerstone of the legal profession. Experienced lawyers and judges helped shape our careers, offered advice, and encouraged us to grow. Volunteering with mock trial provides an opportunity for us to continue that tradition and invest in those who will someday lead our communities, institutions, and perhaps our profession.

As Wisconsinites gather to celebrate the autumnal traditions that bring us together, I encourage you to consider becoming involved in the High School Mock Trial Program. Whether you serve as a coach, judge, donor, or cheerleader, your participation can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

The festivals and traditions we enjoy today exist because previous generations chose to pass them on. The same is true of the values that define our justice system. By investing in young people today, we help ensure those values remain strong for generations to come.