Students in Hewlett High School’s Mock Trial Club are strengthening life skills while competing in this year’s New York State High School Mock Trial Program. The program, which follows a tournament-like structure, allows students to gain exposure to courtroom procedures. Hewlett’s 12-member mock trial club is one of 46 teams in their region, and one of 400 schools across the state.
This year’s mock trial follows two fictional characters—A. Carmen Erickson and Carson Blocker—accused of stealing used cooking oil from a bar and restaurant. Club members also portray witnesses during the trial. Hewlett’s 12 students are divided into defense and prosecution teams, with three witnesses and three attorneys on each side.
“Success in the tournament hinges on a student’s reading comprehension and understanding of the facts,” Club Advisor Daniel Birkenstock said. “At every turn, the students must think about the story they’re trying to tell the judge.”
Hewlett dominated its Feb. 4 preliminary round, Birkenstock said, adding that they argued the case clearly and made strong objections. “They did a great job,” he said.
Their success has drawn the attention of their mentor, Judge Sean Wright of the state’s 10th Judicial District, which covers Nassau and Suffolk counties. Wright, whose daughter, Samantha Wright, attends the high school, said that the club’s student leadership and collective critical thinking skills have allowed them to excel.
“I love seeing the kids that come with enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s a joy to teach those kids.”
Wright reviews team materials, like affidavits, helping students recognize strengths and weaknesses in the case. He shows them how to prepare strategic objections and how to respond when opposing counsel challenges them.
“Students have to learn to think on their feet,” Wright said. “Learn to ask questions and learn how to get around problems.”
The club has also helped strengthen relationships between students. Elenor Pinkhasov, a junior and captain in the club, and freshman Elexis Weisner knew each other from Hewlett’s theater program and have worked closely together in the club. Pinkhasov acts as the defense attorney for Weisner, who plays A. Carmen Erickson.
Weisner said the club has helped sharpen both her confidence in public speaking and her analytical skills. Pinkhasov would explain to her what she should say, and the two would practice with their information to make sure they “put out the character.”
“She was the one who trained me,” Weisner said. “I loved working with her.”
Pinkhasov joined the club in 2023 as a freshman at Hewlett because of her sister, Abigail Pinkhasov, and said she plans to pursue a career in law. Pinkhasov said understanding courtroom dynamics involves knowing how to “play the game” and having sound reasoning to win.
“It’s how you present the case more than what’s actually in it,” she said. “For mock trial, judges give us points on how we present the information we have.”
With the club aiming to reach the county finals on March 30 in Mineola, Pinkhasov said she and fellow junior captain Daniella Kotlyar want to win.
“Both of us are very passionate about this,” Pinkhasov said. “We’ve gone through audition videos very carefully, and we really want to make this a solid team.”
