Our Interview With Maya Carolina Azevedo, Executive Tournament Director Of St. Olaf Mock Trial at St. Olaf College

By the Juris Education Interview Team

Maya Carolina Azevedo is the Executive Tournament Director of St. Olaf Mock Trial at St. Olaf College.

What inspired you to pursue leadership within this organization at your school?

My interest in pursuing leadership within mock trial was deeply influenced by the senior who held this role during my freshman year. I had a great deal of respect for the level of organization, leadership, and commitment it took to successfully host our annual tournament, the Ole Open. As a participant, the Ole Open created some of my most positive and memorable experiences within mock trial, both competitively and socially.

Seeing that impact firsthand inspired me to step into this role so that I could help create those same meaningful experiences for others. As Executive Tournament Director, I value not only the logistical and leadership aspects of organizing such a large-scale event, but also the opportunity to foster a welcoming and engaging environment for teams. It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to a tradition that has shaped my own experience so positively.

What skills can aspiring law students gain from joining an organization like yours?

‍Mock trial provides a strong foundation for aspiring law students by developing both practical and interpersonal skills. Participants gain experience in legal reasoning, case analysis, and public speaking, all of which are essential for legal education and practice. Beyond that, mock trial emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, and critical thinking under pressure. It also helps students become more confident communicators, whether they are presenting arguments or responding to unexpected questions. These experiences mirror many aspects of the legal field, making mock trial an invaluable preparation tool for law school and future legal careers.

What advice would you give law students on making the most out of their experience in a mock trial organization?

‍I would encourage students to fully immerse themselves in the experience by being both proactive and open to growth. This means taking initiative! Whether by volunteering for challenging roles, seeking feedback, or contributing to team strategy, but also being willing to learn from mistakes. Building strong relationships within your team is equally important, as mock trial is inherently collaborative and a team sport. Additionally, I would recommend approaching each case not just as a competition but as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of legal concepts and advocacy. The more effort and curiosity you bring to the experience, the more rewarding and impactful it will be.

We're proud to interview experts like Maya Carolina Azevedo to help future lawyers understand the benefits of extracurricular involvement. Learn more about how the experts at Juris Education can help you get into law school today.