12 JUNE 2026 By Rachael Bouley V eritas Prep has gone from strength to strength, winning the Arizona High School Mock Trial State Championship for the third consecutive year and booking a spot at nationals. Mock Trial pits two teams of three lawyers and three witnesses against one another in a jury trial, with each presenting one side of a case, such as prosecution/defense for criminal or plaintiff/defense for civil. Each side presents an opening statement, three direct examinations, three cross- examinations, and a closing argument, and teams must prepare both sides of the case. Attorney and Head Coach Bill Klain, who is also the director of the Fennemore Law Firm in Phoenix, led the Falcons through preparation starting at the end of October when case materials were released. With three competitions during the season – regionals, states, and nationals – practices increased in frequency and duration, with the team rehearsing five days a week leading up to the Arizona-wide tournament at Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse at the end of March. The Falcons’ hard work and practice paid off, as they needed to win or place highly at each level to be invited to compete at the next event. “We start by analyzing the case to identify the issues and evidence supporting each side,” Klain explained. “We then begin preparing witness examinations and portrayals before finally turning our attention to opening statements and closing arguments.” Competitions last a single day and consist of four trials, with the top two teams advancing to a fifth and final championship round at the end of the day. In their final practices before competing, the team goes through full trials to fine-tune their various presentations. “Apart from gaining an understanding of our justice system and trial practices and procedures, a Mock Trial helps students develop their critical thinking and public speaking skills,” Klain added. “Our students learn to work as a team and to appreciate the value that the differences among them are a strength when collectively working to achieve a goal.” At state, they won their first three trials but lost a close fourth trial. Based on the number of ballots and points awarded, Veritas advanced to and ultimately won the championship round. Klain shared in the students’ joyful reactions and excitement when they were announced as finalists and state champions. “I am most proud of how the young men and women on our team dedicated themselves in pursuit of a shared objective and achieved it through their efforts and by the way in which they learned to set aside their differences and work together in a supportive fashion,” Klain said. Two juniors were named to the All- State Team, a great achievement for Cassandra Klain and Mila Mestaz, who have been part of Mock Trial for two and three years, respectively. It’s also a testament to the team’s talent and depth. Mila said winning state was extremely gratifying after so many hours of work. “To receive the All-State Award was an incredible honor, especially after such a long season of dedication. It makes me feel confident about wanting to pursue a career in criminal defense law,” she said. “I’ve learned how to work with others on a team. You have to walk a fine line between being critical and supportive.” Cassandra was also proud to help achieve success on the state stage. In addition to All-State honors, she was awarded the Justice Ryan Award for Outstanding Performer in the Championship Round. “If I had been told I would receive two awards at the beginning of the season, I would have been in absolute disbelief,” Cassandra said. “It was such an incredible moment, and I couldn’t be more grateful for my amazing team and coaches who helped me achieve these accomplishments.” She focused on properly explaining what the burden of proof is and how it affects the evidence they present. “Mock Trial has taught me how to properly relay information in a confident way. This is a skill I will carry with me for the rest of my life in everything I do,” she said. “I will continue to participate in the Mock Trial program where our entire team will work tirelessly to hold our record. After graduation, I would love to pursue a career where I can use the public speaking skills I gained.” “The students competed fiercely and acquitted themselves, Veritas, and Arizona very well,” Klain added. Veritas went on to compete in nationals held in Iowa at the start of May, finishing 2-2 and in the middle of the pack in 24th place. They faced the number two team, losing by one point on one of three ballots in a split decision, and the number four team, losing by one point on one ballot and two points on another. Mock Trial participants Ronak Kapadia, Amiel Beyo, Danny Rubenstein, Henry Powers, Cassandra Klain, Mila Mestaz, Callie Interiano, and Manoli Kapadia. PHOTO COURTESY OF VERITAS PREP Mock Trial celebrates third straight State Championship Our students learn to work as a team and to appreciate the value that the differences among them are a strength when collectively working to achieve a goal.