05/19/2026
On Friday, May 15, the Fallston High School Mock Trial Team was privileged to be invited to the Circuit Court for Harford County by Honorable Judge Paul W. Ishak. Meeting us in his courtroom, Judge Ishak revealed that Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader of the Maryland Supreme Court encouraged Judge Ishak to spread the good word to his judicial peers about the rigorous work and enthusiasm for law that Harford County students have demonstrated through the MyLaw Mock Trial program.
The HCPS Social Studies Office, led by Erin Lange, coordinates local competition. School groups work closely with teacher advisors and attorney coaches, like Anthony DiPaula, who has been an integral professional component of Fallston’s Mock Trial program. MyLaw provides a new legal case each competition season, preparing school groups to understand law, court procedures, and the legal system, along with increasing proficiency in public speaking and critical thinking, amidst the backdrop of actual courtrooms. Here, real judges and attorney’s score and provide concluding feedback to competing schools.
This year, Fallston High School’s Mock Trial team competed in the State’s “Sweet Sixteen” finals match for District 3, facing Park School of Baltimore County, a historic milestone for Harford County. Through Judge Ishak’s leadership, more area judges and attorneys will volunteer their time to inspire and instruct Harford County students who are passionate about law-related professions!
