DU Alumnus Makes Generous Gift, Revamps DU’s Mock Trial Program

Part of the Department of Socio-Legal Studies in the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS), DU Mock Trial is the University of Denver’s chapter of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), which assists students in the development of critical thinking, public speaking skills, and knowledge of legal practice and procedures through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions. After taking a campus tour and learning more about the ambitions of the DU Mock Trial team, alumnus Robert C. Aronoff sought to revamp and support the program into the future.  

Prior to this summer, the DU Mock Trial team could not compete in the AMTA’s National Championship Tournament due to funding restrictions. However, thanks to Aronoff’s generous financial support, students currently participating in DU Mock Trial have been granted the opportunity to compete at the national level and to work with a faculty advisor and coach for the upcoming trial season. 

“I looked at the DU Mock Trial team and saw they needed help,” Aronoff said. “Mock trial trains you to analyze facts, organize your thoughts, and deliver a presentation — skills that are useful in any profession.” 

After graduating from the Sturm College of Law at DU in 1976, Aronoff’s first job was in California. He now runs a law firm in Beverly Hills, California that specializes in real estate, commercial litigation and bankruptcy. He currently serves on the board of directors for Teach Democracy, which sponsors the California Mock Trial Competition, and for over ten years, Aronoff has served as a judge and collaborator for AMTA and other national organizations that sponsor college mock trials.  

Aronoff understands the value of mock trial programs for students’ professional and personal growth, and he emphasized that students do not need to aspire to be lawyers to benefit from the experience. 

“Being a lawyer and being an advocate are different,” he said. “[Mock trial] is advocacy, which can be used in any profession; for the students who participate in mock trial programs, it is life changing.” 

Aronoff hopes his contribution to the DU Mock Trial team will establish DU as a national competitor, allowing undergraduate students to compete at the highest level while gaining invaluable skills. Lisa Pasko, professor of sociology and director of socio-legal studies, shares his vision.  

“[Aronoff’s] generous gift will make it possible for more students to compete in DU Mock Trial, to support our fabulous coaches, and to get us to that national championship,” Pasko said. “[His gift] will also support a pre-law club and faculty advising for the DU Mock Trial team, hopefully making us even stronger.” 

If you would like to make a gift to support the DU Mock Trial team, click here.