From her early aspirations in high school to her current role as the president of the Mock Trial Team at IU Indianapolis, Bridget Janney’s path has been shaped by a relentless drive to pursue her dreams in the legal field.
Raised in an environment where academics were paramount, Janney’s interest in law started at a young age. “Mock Trial was recommended to me when I told my advisors about my goal to go to law school,” she said.
Although her high school schedule didn’t allow her to join the team back then, she found her way to IU Indianapolis’ Mock Trial Team, where she discovered a welcoming community and an arena that combined her love for public speaking with the intricacies of law.
Mock Trial as a learning experience
The experience has been transformative. It has not only affirmed Janney’s desire to spend her career in the courtroom, but also provided her with a close-knit group of peers who share her passion. Through countless hours of practice, late-night rehearsals, and engaging competitions, she has developed a profound sense of camaraderie and purpose. The connections she has forged within Indianapolis’ legal network have been invaluable, offering her mentorship and opportunities that have shaped her college journey.
Janney’s involvement in mock trials has equipped her with a deep understanding of the rules of evidence, a skill set few undergraduates possess. “How many undergrads can go into law school knowing what 801(d)2(E) is?” she said.
Beyond the technical knowledge, she has gained confidence in her abilities as a litigator, learning the importance of professionalism and courtesy in the courtroom. Representing her team, school, and client—imaginary though they may be—has taught her the weight of responsibility and the unpredictability of who might be in the judge’s seat one day.
The road to success hasn’t been without challenges. One of the most significant was organizing the Mock Hundred, an invitational tournament hosted by IU Indianapolis that brings together 25 college teams to compete. As vice president at the time, Janney had the daunting task of recruiting judges, a responsibility that initially seemed impossible. With the support of her executive board and coaches, though, she devised a plan, reaching out to law offices across the region and ultimately securing the necessary judges. The event was a resounding success, a testament to the executive board’s teamwork and determination.
Throughout her journey, Janney has received support from mentors who have profoundly impacted her development. Sydney Kadinger, the head coach and visiting clinical assistant professor of paralegal studies, has guided her, referring Janney to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for internships and writing her letter of recommendation to the Washington Leadership Program. Kadinger’s advice to “take chances, make mistakes, get messy” has been a mantra that Janney has embraced wholeheartedly. Quinn Weikel, another mentor, has taught her to bring drama to her performances, boosting the team’s morale and inspiring Janney to push her limits.
These experiences have not only prepared Janney for the rigors of law school, but have also instilled in her the value of lifelong connections and the importance of advocacy. “These public speaking and trial advocacy skills will serve me for the rest of my legal career,” she said.
Other hands-on learning opportunities
Her experiences with honors-contracted work, particularly her research project on disparities in the quality of defense provided by public defenders, have reinforced the importance of using her voice to advocate for others. Her research, conducted with the guidance of Zachary Loftus, Ph.D., resulted in a 10-page paper and a research poster that echoed findings later replicated by major news outlets. The project not only validated her research, but also ignited her passion for justice and reform in the legal system.
Janney’s internship at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has been the culmination of her engaged learning experiences. Assisting with major felony and murder cases, she has gained hands-on experience that has solidified her desire to pursue a career in law. The internship has allowed her to see the impact of her work on real cases, and she relishes the opportunity to observe trials and contribute to the prosecution’s efforts.
Lessons learned
As she prepares for law school, Janney reflects on the lessons she has learned along the way. The biggest one has been that justice is about ensuring that everyone is seen and heard in the eyes of the law. This is the type of attorney she aspires to be—one who meets her clients where they are, accepts them for who they are, and helps them be seen.
Janney’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. As she embarks on the next chapter of her life, she does so with the confidence that she is well-prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of law.
Her advice to other students pursuing a career in law is simple: “Join Mock Trial!” She also encourages others to reach out to club executive boards and explore their passions, just as she did.