Registration is now open for attorneys interested in serving as scoring jurors for the 30th Annual Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition.
For three decades, this competition has helped develop Florida’s future advocates by providing high school students with a realistic courtroom experience. Your participation as a scoring juror plays a vital role in mentoring students and helping them refine the advocacy, critical thinking, and professionalism that define our justice system.
DATE AND LOCATION
November 6–8, 2026
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®
The opening round begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 6.
Whether you can volunteer for a single round or the entire weekend, we encourage you to lend your time and experience to support the next generation of trial lawyers.
To serve as a scoring juror or learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Melissa Robbins-Strebel at mrobbins@myfja.org.
Jacksonville attorney Wayne Hogan made a lasting impact on legal education at Florida State University, his alma mater, with a $250,000 donation to support the school’s mock trial program. Matched by the state’s Matching Gift Program, the $375,000 endowment funded trial competitions, provided stipends, and covered travel expenses for students—emphasizing the importance of hands-on courtroom experience. Hogan, a former president of the Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers and the FSU Law alumni association, hoped his gift would inspire fellow alumni to give back, especially as education budgets tightened. Part of the donation established the E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Trial Competition, honoring Hogan’s late mentor and respected Jacksonville judge. Beyond the university, Hogan also addressed local legal needs, joining with other firms to donate $10,000 to Jacksonville’s Legal Aid program, reinforcing his belief that strong legal support should be available to all—both in education and in the community.