Educator, attorney to lead NC Mock Trial Program

The North Carolina Mock Trial Program has named named a veteran educator and licensed attorney from western North Carolina as its executive director.

Smith, a resident of Arden, is a licensed attorney in North Carolina and practiced as a civil litigator in Charleston, S.C., in the 1990s. He earned an undergraduate from UNC Chapel Hill, a law degree from N.C. Central University and an masters in education from George Mason University. He served 14 years on the Hendersonville City Council.

Smith taught high school social studies and English for more than 26 years and coached the mock trial team at Hendersonville High School for 17 years, often to the state finals competition. He also helped start the first mock trial team at Hendersonville Middle School.

Attorney Brooke Schmidly, president of the Board of Directors, said, “After many years of success with limited staff and a large cadre of volunteers, we are so fortunate to have Jerry Smith leading the NC Mock Trial Program statewide as our executive director. His experience supporting students, volunteers, and attorney advisers in Henderson County will expand to lead North Carolinians across the state to make meaningful contributions to their communities and our state and nation.”

Smith attributes much of his success in mock trial to the dedication and perseverance of his students. His mentor and predecessor Paul Goebel, who coached a successful program at Hendersonville High School, and his assistant coach Kathryn Wells, who served as attorney adviser to Hendersonville’s teams for many years, have also been instrumental in his career.

“From my days in the classroom and on council, I have learned how to work with students and constituents with different points-of-view,” Smith said. “I understand the importance of the NC Mock Trial Program continuing as an opportunity for North Carolina’s families from diverse backgrounds, and I look forward to expanding our program to reach as many young adults as we can. I am excited to further build support for this program in the legal community across the state as well as with foundations that support civic education and leadership skills for North Carolina’s youth.

“I thank all the mockers, coaches, advisers, and volunteers who contribute countless hours to making Mock Trial happen and I look forward to serving you.”

Smith’s first day as executive director was July 1. He can be reached at jerry@ncmocktrial.org or 828-470-7665

The NC Mock Trial Program’s mission is to create engaged citizens through the hands-on learning activity of mock trial, thereby enabling students to gain the civic understanding, self- confidence, analytical reasoning, and communication skills that are vital for tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit ncmocktrial.org