Judicial Ethical Considerations
Judges have other considerations when seeking volunteer opportunities.
Explore potential events, programs, and organizations that utilize volunteers.
Arizona Supreme Court Rule 81 - Code of Judicial Conduct
K-12 Education Volunteer Opportunities
- Constitution Week
- Mock Trial and Mock Mediation Attorney Coaches
- Mock Trial Regional and State Competition
- Mock Mediation Tournament
- Project Citizen E-Portfolios
- Project Citizen State Showcase
- We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution State Competition
Connecting with Classrooms: Constitution Week
Join the Arizona Bar Foundation’s Constitution Week initiative and help K–12 students across Arizona explore the power and promise of the U.S. Constitution. Attorneys and judges are invited to volunteer for classroom presentations statewide—either in-person or virtually.
Volunteers Role
Attorneys and judges are needed to present the Constitution and the law in K-12 classrooms all over Arizona.
Time Commitment
Each presentation lasts about one hour and is scheduled during the school day at a time coordinated between you and the classroom teacher.
When and Where
Constitution Week takes place around the week of or around September 17th in K-12 schools statewide with presentations conducted virtually or in-person.
Resources for Volunteers
- Constitution Week Student Gifts: Volunteers are invited to distribute gavel pencils and pocket constitutions to students attending presentations. These items are available upon request from the Arizona Bar Foundation until they run out.
- Teaching Tools: A variety of engaging educational resources are available online to enhance presentations, including virtual escape rooms, interactive games, and downloadable lesson plans.
- Presentation Support: Foundation staff are available to assist volunteers in developing customized presentations upon request.
Learn more and register to volunteer for Constitution Week Here.
Mock Trial and Mock Mediation Attorney Coaches
Support the next generation of legal minds by volunteering as an attorney coach for the Arizona Bar Foundation’s Mock Trial and Mock Mediation programs. These programs offer students a hands-on opportunity to explore the legal system through simulated trials and mediations.
Volunteers Role
Attorney coaches aid student participants of the Mock Trial and Mock Mediation tournaments as they take case materials including pleadings, legal instructions, affidavits, and evidence to prepare for a simulated jury trial or mediation.
Attorney coaches work with teacher coaches to help students understand and argue the law applicable to the competition case, prepare effective opening statements, craft and conduct direct and cross examinations, plan closing arguments, and understand the use and application of the rules of evidence in all aspects of trial or mediation.
Time Commitment
Time involvement is flexible. Some attorney coaches meet regularly with teams throughout the season, while others volunteer as guest judges during practice sessions. Any level of participation is valued and makes a meaningful impact. Your presence and guidance provide students with an authentic view of the judicial process and the legal profession.
When and Where
Attorney coaches are needed throughout the school year to support teams preparing for Mock Trial and Mock Mediation tournaments at the regional, state, and potentially national levels. Coaching typically occurs after school hours at the participating school. Schools across Arizona request attorney coaches to complement their teacher coaches by bringing real-world legal experience into the preparation process.
Resources for Volunteers
Mock Trial Regional/State Competition
The Arizona High School Mock Trial Program, co-sponsored by the Arizona Bar Foundation and the State Bar of Arizona Young Lawyers Division, engages students in grades 9–12 in simulated trials to explore the legal system. Students serve as attorneys and witnesses, gaining firsthand experience with courtroom procedures and legal reasoning. The top team earns the title of State Champion and advances to represent Arizona at the national competition.
Volunteers Role
Attorneys and judges are invited to serve on panels of 3-4 judges to judge the competition.
Time Commitment
Volunteers have the option to sign up to volunteer for the morning, afternoon, or the entire duration of the competition.
When and Where
The regional competitions take place in January or February. The state competition takes place at a courthouse in downtown Phoenix on the 3rd or 4th Saturday in March. Event dates and locations are determined at least 6 months prior to the event and volunteers are provided the information before volunteering.
Resources for Volunteers
- Prior to the event, volunteers are given an overview of the program and judging guidelines
- A judge’s orientation is provided on the day of the event
- Volunteers new to the event are placed on a judging panel with at least one experienced volunteer
- Rubric-based scoresheets are provided to guide scoring and evaluation
Learn more and register to volunteer as a judge at the Arizona Mock Trial Tournament here.
High School Mock Mediation
Volunteer attorneys judge student understanding of mediation and the role it plays in the practice of law at the state Mock Mediation Tournament. Students compete in teams of 3, and take turns playing the roles of advocate, client, and mediator.
Volunteers Needed
Attorneys and judges are invited to serve on panels of 3–4 judges to evaluate student performance and understanding of mediation principles.
Time Commitment
Volunteers have the option to sign up to volunteer for the morning, afternoon, or the entire duration of the competition.
When and Where
The state tournament is typically held on a Saturday in November. Exact dates and locations are announced several months in advance, and all volunteers receive detailed event information well ahead of time.
Resources for Volunteers
- Volunteers receive an overview of the tournament format and judging criteria prior to the event
- A judge orientation is held the morning of the tournament
- New volunteers are paired with at least one experienced panelist
- Scoresheets with detailed rubrics are provided to guide scoring and evaluation
Learn more and register to volunteer as a judge at the Arizona Mock Mediation Tournament here.
Project Citizen State Showcase
Project Citizen engages students in grades 5–12 in developing public policy solutions to real-world community issues. As part of the program, students submit digital portfolios outlining their proposed solutions, which are reviewed by volunteer judges in preparation for the in-person state competition.
Volunteer Role
Volunteers are needed to review and evaluate student e-portfolios using a provided scoring rubric. Feedback helps students refine their projects for the state showcase.
Time Commitment
This is a flexible, remote opportunity. Each e-portfolio takes approximately 30 minutes to review. Volunteers may be assigned 1 to 4 portfolios based on availability.
When and Where
Judging is completed remotely. Volunteers receive portfolios and scoring materials in advance and can complete evaluations on their own schedule.
Resources for Volunteers
- Prior to the event, volunteers are given an overview of the program and judging guidelines
- Scoresheets with a rubric are provided to explain the scoring criteria
Learn more and register to volunteer to judge Project Citizen e-Portfolios here.
Project Citizen State Showcase
Project Citizen is a civic education program for students in grades 5–12, focused on identifying and addressing real community issues through public policy. At the State Showcase, top teams present their portfolios and oral presentations to panels of volunteer judges. The winning portfolio qualifies for the National Showcase in July.
Volunteer Role
Judges evaluate student presentations, which include a 4-minute prepared speech followed by 6 minutes of Q&A. Judges may use their own questions or those provided by the Foundation. Each panel participates in two one-hour rounds.
Time Commitment
Volunteers are asked to participate from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the day of the showcase.
When and Where
The showcase takes place within the first two weeks of May, in Maricopa County. Event dates and locations are determined at least 6 months prior to the event and volunteers are provided the information before volunteering.
Resources for Volunteers
Prior to the event, volunteers are given an overview of the program and judging guidelines
- A judge’s orientation is provided on the day of the event
- Volunteers new to the event are placed on a judging panel with at least one experienced volunteer
- Scoresheets with a rubric are provided to explain the scoring criteria
Learn more and register to volunteer as a judge at the Project Citizen State Showcase here.
We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution State Competition
This event allows high school students to participate in a simulated congressional hearing to demonstrate their knowledge of our government and the rights and responsibilities of those that live in the United States. The state champions will advance further to represent Arizona at the national competition.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers can serve in 2 capacities: 1) As a judge on a 4-panel team, or 2) As a timer.
Time Commitment
Volunteers have the following options: morning shift, afternoon shift, or all day.
When and Where
The competition takes place in Maricopa County the second Friday in January. Event dates and locations are determined at least 6 months prior to the event and volunteers are provided the information before volunteering.
Resources for Volunteers
• Prior to the event, volunteers are given an overview of the program and judging guidelines
• A judge’s orientation is provided prior to each shift on the day of the event
• Volunteers new to the event are placed on a judging panel with at least one experienced volunteer
• Scoresheets with a rubric are provided to explain the scoring criteria
• Judges are provided with follow-up questions to ask the students, or they can use their own
Public Service Volunteer Opportunities
