Mock Trial JV Coach - Starting in September 2026

Menlo School; Atherton (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

Menlo School seeks a dedicated mock trial coach for the Junior Varsity program. The role focuses on teaching fundamentals, case theory, and witness preparation to 9th- and 10th-graders, preparing them for scrimmages and the San Mateo County competition.

The ideal candidate has mock trial experience, a passion for mentoring teens, and the ability to teach core skills plus competitive strategies. This is a part-time, hourly, seasonal position from September to February.

Qualifications

• High school diploma minimum; four-year degree or current college enrollment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California mock trial competition structure and rules is a plus.
• Current law school enrollment or JD is a plus.
• Experience coaching or competing in competitive mock trials with emphasis on case preparation and trial advocacy.
• Experience working with high school students, ideally with coaching background.

Responsibilities

• Teach foundational mock trial skills, including case theory and witness prep.
• Lead engaging JV practices (≈5 hours/week).
• Prepare students for scrimmages and county competition.
• Provide constructive feedback to individuals and team.
• Collaborate with other coaches for consistent curriculum and prep.
• Attend scrimmages and competitions and chaperone as needed.
• Attend regular 6–8 PM Wednesdays and 12–3 PM Sundays practices.
• Foster a positive team culture centered on respect and integrity.

Skills

Mock trial coaching

Mentoring students

Public speaking

Curriculum planning

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Law school enrollment / JD a plus

Job description

The Menlo School Mock Trial Team (MMT) is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable coach to help lead our Junior Varsity program. MMT serves 40–45 students annually, split between Varsity and JV teams. We strive to compete at the highest level in California and have won the CA state championship three times (2014, 2019, and 2023). Our students are talented, hardworking, and passionate about the program.

The JV team focuses on teaching 9th- and 10th-grade students the fundamentals of mock trial and preparing the California Teach Democracy case for scrimmages and the San Mateo County competition. The ideal candidate will have legal and/or mock trial experience, a passion for mentoring high school students, and the ability to teach both foundational skills and competitive strategies.

This is a part-time, hourly, seasonal (September-February) position averaging 10-15 hours per week over approximately 25–30 weeks (depending on holiday breaks and competition progress). Hours include about 5 hours of weekly practice plus additional preparation, review, and attendance at scrimmages or competitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach foundational mock trial skills, including case theory, witness preparation, opening/closing statements, objections, and cross-examination techniques.
• Develop and lead engaging JV practices, approximately 5 hours per week.
• Prepare students for scrimmages and the San Mateo County competition.
• Provide constructive feedback to individual students and the team to support growth and skill development.
• Collaborate with other coaches to ensure consistent curriculum and competitive preparation.
• Attend scrimmages and competitions, chaperoning as needed.
• Attend regular 6 - 8 PM Wednesday and 12 - 3 PM Sunday practices
• Foster a positive team culture centered on respect, sportsmanship, and academic integrity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma minimum; four-year degree or current college enrollment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California mock trial competition structure and rules is a plus.
• Current law school enrollment or JD is a plus
• Experience coaching or competing in competitive mock trials, with emphasis on case preparation, courtroom procedure, and trial advocacy skills.
• Experience working with high school students, ideally with coaching or teaching background.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including the ability to plan, adapt, and interact effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Prior experience coaching is strongly desired.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest and will reach out only to those most closely aligned with the position's needs.

About us

Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley and founded in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.

Menlo is dedicated to providing a joyful, transformative education that empowers students to explore broadly, think critically, act responsibly, and navigate the complexities of an evolving world. Our relevant and engaging academic program—complemented by outstanding arts and athletics—sparks wonder, fosters a love of learning, and inspires students to reach their full potential as they grow in competence, confidence, and curiosity. Student care and the supportive relationships students build with teachers, coaches, and peers are at the heart of all we do as we uphold the highest ethical standards, develop character, and pursue a shared commitment to purposes larger than ourselves.

At Menlo, belonging is essential to who we are as a school. We embrace the growth and well-being of every member of our community by cultivating a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and belonging—one where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued, and where our diverse backgrounds, identities, and ideas are honored with curiosity, care, and compassion.

Learn more about the Menlo School here.

Our equal opportunity employment policy

Menlo School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants. We administer all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law.

Pay range

In the spirit of pay transparency, we share the base salary range for this position for the 2026-2027 academic year. The full pay range, which encompasses all experience levels is $29.00 - $41.00 per hour. Within this broad range, we pay in accordance with what could be reasonably expected based on an individual's experience level. Base salary is exclusive of fringe benefits, retirement plan employer contributions or potential stipends (for eligible employees). Pay ranges at Menlo are reasonable estimates of what the School anticipates paying for a role but are not guaranteed. If hired at Menlo School, your final base salary will be determined by factors such as skills, education, experience, job level, part-time status and number of months of work per academic year. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity with our current employees as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the generous range mentioned above is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at the maximum of the range is not typical for Menlo School in order to allow for future and continued salary growth.