BOSTON UNIVERSITY
MOCK TRIAL
Who is BUMTO?
The Boston University Mock Trial Organization (BUMTO) is a student-led team that competes in collegiate mock trial. As a member of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), we have a longstanding tradition of competing at the highest levels, including invitational, regional, and national tournaments. Throughout our history as a team, we have made a name for ourselves, consistently placing amongst the top teams in the nation. Following the 2025 National Tournament, BUMTO is the 8th best team in the nation, and we only plan on improving.
Among the few competitive teams/sports (including our Division I sports programs) at Boston University to be ranked among the top 10 in the nation, we take a lot of pride in our work. Our team is coached by real-life law practitioners who pour wisdom and insight into our team. Under their guidance, student captains lead our team to competitive victory, as well as personal growth and skill development.
Samantha Genzer
Class of 2027
The two biggest skills I’ve gained are public speaking and thinking on my feet. As a former theater kid, I’ve always been comfortable performing, but Mock Trial challenged me to move beyond memorized lines and learn how to improvise in high-pressure, unpredictable situations. I also developed a more creative and strategic approach to argumentation, using rhetoric in ways that engage and persuade. These skills have made me a stronger competitor, but also a more confident student, writer, and communicator in all areas of my academic life.
Nicholas Fowles
Class of 2026
“Remember that whilst this activity is a team with serious commitment, it’s also a ton of fun! You get to travel for competitions all across the country, meet a ton of really cool people, and generally have a good time. Additionally, the atmosphere is fantastic. I can almost guarantee some of your fondest memories will come from even the most stressful times of this activity, be it cramming last-minute practices in or rewriting a whole direct you’ll be able to look back on it all and laugh. If you’re looking for a professional organization that knows how to balance work and leisure, mock trial is for you.”
Sofia Zienkewicz
Class of 2027
Mock Trial has been an incredibly formative and priceless part of my college experience. I transferred to BU as a sophomore, and I was so afraid I would not find the people for me, and I am so fortunate that I was able to find a family in BUMTO. I had never competed in Mock Trial before, and I have genuinely gained not only excellent life skills, but also friends for life. Mock Trial has also proven to be incredibly helpful in my pre-professional endeavors. I interned at a Law Firm this past summer, and so many of the skills I learned in Mock Trial are transferable to real life legal practice. If you are thinking about auditioning: DO IT!!
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
Our Traditions
We spend a lot of time together as a team, and just like many other clubs, we value our history as a organization. Just because Mock Trial is considered a pre-professional activity, that doesn't mean we don't have fun! There are many traditions that shape BUMTO, but we thought we would start by revealing some of our favorites.
Lineage
You read that correctly! BUMTO has a long tradition of Big / Little lineages. Each year during the Spring first years are adopted by 2nd years into one of BUMTO's many great lineages. Our Big/Little tradition allows for first years on the team to have an upperclassman that they can rely on.
Color Coordination
When we show up to competitions we want to be put together, and what better way to look like a team than to be color coordinated? On our team individuals who paint their nails match colors, and those who wear ties match their tie color for competition weekends.
BUMTO isn't just a team, we're a family. Outside of our competitions, we love to host team bonding events such as dinners or parties to spend some quality time together. Some of our alumni have ended up in law school together, while other members visit each other during the holidays! The friendships created in BUMTO are the reason why the team remains tightly knit every year – and we're always looking to grow our family. Whether you are new to Boston University and looking for your people, or you are an upperclassman looking to enrich your college experience, BU Mock Trial might be the club for you.
New talent is crucial to the growth of this program, and we always look forward to new applications. Anyone, regardless of their major or background, can try out for the Mock Trial Team at Boston University. Our team has a wide array of majors ranging from Political Science and Communications to Chemistry and Computer Science. Many of our new members each year also have no background in mock trial, which is why we have established training programs to help new members learn what mock trial is all about and to help older members hone their skills, so please do not shy away just because you have not competed before.