Helen Jones
Helen is a Junior majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Legal Studies. She has competed with the Illinois Trial Team for two years but has participated in mock trial for six total. She loves anything to do with expert witnesses and case law objections. Outside of mock trial, Helen is an author for the University of Illinois Undergraduate Law Review and an avid crochet-er. As president of the Trial Team, Helen is responsible for the structure and development of the team as a whole.
Jay Kennedy
Jay is a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in political science. Jay has been with the team for two years and is very fond of all the memories he's made in that time. His favorite part of mock trial is getting to enjoy the trips to tournaments with such wonderful people. As the Vice President Internal, Jay is responsible for creating the tournament schedule and organizing travel.
Emma Troy
Emma is a junior studying Political Science, Legal Studies, and Spanish. Her favorite part of the Illinois Trial Team is growing her knowledge in trial advocacy and competing alongside her teammates. As the Vice President External, Emma is responsible for recruiting new members, hosting our tryout process, and maintaining alumni relations.
Brendan Burke
Brendan is our Tournament Director for the 2023-24 season. As Tournament Director, Brendan is responsible for coordinating our fall invitational tournament. Brendan is a sophomore double majoring in Political Science and English with a minor in Legal Studies. This is Brendan’s second year in mock trial, and his favorite roles to compete in are expert witnessing and defense closing arguments.
Aarushi Raizada
Aarushi is a junior in the College of Gies studying Accountancy as well as Information Systems. This year will be her second year on the Illinois Trial Team. Her favorite memory so far has been travelling with her teammates to UC Irvine in California! When she is not participating in mock trial, Aarushi is an avid reader, plays board games, and is always trying new things! As treasurer, Aarushi is responsible for managing the team’s finances.
Jessica Vestal
Jess is a senior majoring in English and minoring in Legal Studies. She has been part of the Illinois Trial Team for one year. Her favorite part of the Illinois Trial Team is the sense of community and is dedicated to building up the program by supporting and empowering her fellow members in any and every way she can. As secretary, Jess is responsible for organizing and disseminating information within the team.
Alex Chang
Alex is a senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies. Alex has been on the team for two years, and this will be his third year competing with the Illinois Trial Team. As a member of the social committee, Alex is excited to meet all the new members this year and welcome them to the team! When not participating in mock trial you can spot him riding his motorcycle when it’s nice out.
Jenna Thakkar
Jenna is a senior majoring in Social Psychology and Communication with a minor in Legal Studies. She has been part of the Illinois Trial Team for two years but has been doing mock trial for six. Her favorite part of mock trial is all the wonderful people she has met, and she enjoys the traveling to competitions and learning more about the legal field. As part of the social committee, Jenna is eager to help all members foster connections with each other outside of the courtroom no matter what skill level or grade they may be in.
Nelson Jimenez
Nelson is a senior studying Community Health and Legal Studies. Having been a member of the team for two years, Nelson has enjoyed making good memories and forming new friendships. His favorite aspect of mock trial is its competitive nature and being able to push himself and his teammates to become better. Nelson has a particular interest in the rules of evidence and creating objection arguments. Nelson is also a member of the Social Committee and is excited to facilitate team-building efforts this year.
Captains
Brooke Conklin and Jolie Pressburger
Captains
Hanaa Khan and Helen Jones
Captains
Jenna Thakkar and Lindsay Merdian
Captains
Mo Tharwani and Ria Patel
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