The Township of Lyons, under the leadership of Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg and the Incubator Internship Program, partnered with Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke’s office this summer to launch a free weeklong Mock Trial Camp for middle and high school students.
Designed to sharpen public speaking, writing, and organizational skills, the camp gave students firsthand exposure to the legal system and direct interaction with prominent professionals. Guest speakers included Judge Koula Fournier, Lyons Township Trustee and attorney David Imielski, and SEC attorney Dan Griffin, who all shared candid insights about their work and the importance of integrity in the justice system.
The program culminated at the Bridgeview Courthouse, where students argued mock cases before real Cook County judges. Judge Margaret Ogarek and Judge Diana Lopez presided as participants stepped into the roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys, while Hoffenberg’s Incubator interns took on the parts of witnesses. The experience offered students a rare glimpse into the real-world pressures and responsibilities that come with courtroom advocacy.
The camp was organized by Lyons Township High School senior Blake McCracken, who hopes to become an attorney herself one day. Although none of the high schools currently have a mock trial team, two ambitious camp participants have already committed to starting a club this fall with the support of Hoffenberg.
Burke, who was eager to collaborate, praised the effort as a way to reinforce the value of prosecutors in ensuring accountability and fairness. “Across the country, confidence in prosecutors’ offices has taken a hit, but programs like this remind young people that smart, ethical prosecutors are essential to justice and public safety,” Burke said.
The success of the camp has caught the attention of other leaders in the legal community. Cook County Judge John Fairman expressed interest in expanding the concept into a countywide summer mock trial competition across all courthouses. Hoffenberg, meanwhile, hopes to grow the program into a multi-week camp next summer to provide an even more robust experience.
This summer, Hoffenberg’s Incubator program also provided a STEM Camp for middle school students, part of her broader mission to provide hands-on leadership opportunities for youth.
Reflecting on the summer’s accomplishments, Hoffenberg emphasized her long-term vision: “Our young people are more than future leaders, they are present leaders. When we give them the tools, skills, and encouragement, we are building not just a stronger community today, but a more civic-oriented generation for tomorrow.”
