SHS’s Mock Trial club is returning to the season and so are its attorneys. In the law-related club, members work closely with real-life attorneys. The professionals instruct the students on their team about procedures, techniques, and strategies in order to prepare them for competitions.

Bernie Wong, previously the attorney coach for the rookie team, was asked to advise the JV team this year by mock trial sponsor Mr. Andrew Oakes. Wong began his involvement with the statewide program as a judge.

“After I got interested, I wanted to be more active on the participant’s side, and I volunteered to be a legal adviser,” said Wong.

Wong then coached at Indian Hill before moving to Sycamore.

Outside of Mock Trial, Wong is a criminal defense lawyer and has garnered copious credentials.

“For 10 years, I was a pro-bono lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union. We would look over complaints in the Cincinnati Area. I was also lead counsel in challenging Cincinnati Exclusion Zone law, which prohibited convicted or accused drug offenders from entering Over the Rhine,” said Wong.

This year’s JV members and last year’s rookie team are excited about Wong’s return.

“Bernie is great! He makes you think for yourself instead of just always feeding you the answers. He helped our freshman team last year improve immensely, and his Bernie-isms, tips and random sayings, are really funny,” said Grace Creek, 10.

“Bernie is an outstanding legal adviser, and I wouldn’t want to be coached by anyone else,” said Carolyn Zhang, 10.

The JV team’s sentiments are not one-sided.

“The success of the season all depends on how the students are able to follow the law and instructions and the law, but I’m confident in the skills and talents of the team,” said Wong.