Future Lawyers of Springfield participate in mock trial

Alexis Perez cross examines Victim Witness Advocate Alyssa Cafaro, who played a defendant in a Future Lawyers of Springfield mock trial.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

SPRINGFIELD — A few dozen high school, college and law school students recently had a chance to demonstrate their skills in the courtroom, taking on the roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys in a mock trial as part of the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office program Future Lawyers of Springfield.

Hosted in the Moot Court Room of Western New England University’s Blake Law Center, the mock trial allowed students to deliver opening statements, question witnesses and present closing arguments in an authentic setting.

Participants tried a case in which a person had been arrested and charged with operating under the influence, but as is often the case in real life, the details showed that there is no such thing as an open and shut case.

The mock trial is the culmination of the Future Lawyers of Springfield program, in which students learn from working professionals about the various roles within the criminal justice field and the details of legal proceedings.

Kiara DeJesus is in her last year at Western New England University School of Law. After graduating in May, she plans to work as a criminal prosecutor. This was DeJesus’s fourth year participating in the Future Lawyers of Springfield program. Reflecting her career ambitions, DeJesus served in the role of a prosecutor in the trial.

“I think it’s a great program to attend,” she said. As someone who grew up in “the projects as the daughter of a single mother,” she said, “I think it’s great for inner city kids. Sometimes when you grow up in these neighborhoods, it can feel like your options are really limited. This gives you a chance to see what options are out there.”

Alexandra Sophia Rivera was one of the students defending the accused. Last year, she participated in a Law School for a Day program offered by Central High School, where she is a senior. She said it made her realize she had an interest in the field of law, so in fall 2025, she signed up for the Future Lawyers of Springfield program. She said the program taught her more than she thought she would learn.

Rivera said she found it “fun” to participate in courtroom proceedings. “I think everyone feels a bit of pressure,” Rivera said. “Being able to step into this position makes me feel like I have what it takes for the future. I feel that government is in my future. Being a lawyer is in my tops.”

Rivera said she would advise other students to “take a chance and take this program because it’s fun and you might find you have an interest you didn’t know you have.”

Having experienced criminal proceedings, the students are scheduled to visit the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in Boston to observe oral arguments and meet with an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.