Valwood Students Complete Georgia Law Academy
Valwood students Julia Soshnik and Lillie Moore joined the Student Bar after attending the state's legal training sessions.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Valwood senior Julia Soshnik and junior Lillie Moore were among the 90 students who completed the State Bar of Georgia Law Academy in August and September 2026. The students earned admission to the Student Bar following training sessions held in Atlanta and Macon.
Why it matters
The intensive program aims to equip mock trial students with essential courtroom skills, including trial techniques, procedural knowledge, and leadership development. These competencies are intended to prepare participants for high-level competitive environments.
A total of 90 students were selected for the program, which drew from a competitive pool that typically includes 160 schools. Participants were evaluated based on their performance in closing arguments and a final written examination.
The players
Julia Soshnik
A Valwood senior who earned admission to the Student Bar with honors after completing the Law Academy.
Lillie Moore
A Valwood junior who gained admission to the Student Bar following her participation in the Law Academy.
State Bar of Georgia
The professional organization that hosts the Law Academy to support mock trial students through legal training.
The details
Students attended sessions across Atlanta and Macon, where they participated in rigorous training before demonstrating their skills to a panel of evaluators. Lillie Moore gained her admission in Atlanta, while Julia Soshnik achieved hers with honors during the Macon session.
Timeline
The Law Academy sessions occurred during August and September 2026.
The state mock trial finals are scheduled for March 2027 in Lawrenceville.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader trend of professionalization within student-led academic competitions, mirroring the rigorous training found in law school curricula. It positions these students at the forefront of a growing movement to integrate formal legal practice into the high school experience.
For students and families participating in mock trial, this academy offers a clear pathway to develop the professional skills necessary for state-level competition. Understanding these training opportunities allows interested students to better prepare for upcoming academic events and application cycles.
The takeaway
Students looking to advance their courtroom abilities should prioritize formal training programs that offer direct evaluation by industry professionals. Mastering closing arguments and legal procedure provides a competitive edge that is highly valued in regional academic tournaments.
What happens next
The state mock trial finals will be held in Lawrenceville in March 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives at the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Valdosta Daily Times.
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