coaches
emily shaw
head coach
Emily has been the Head Coach for UCI Mock Trial since 2017. She earned her Ph.D. in psychology — specializing in jury decision-making — from UCI in 2021. She now works as a jury consultant for a firm in LA.
saga chidella
assistant coach
When Saga graduated with a B.A. in Business Economics in 2022 she had competed on the UCI mock trial team for two years. After two years of working in accounting/finance, she is currently attending UCI Law School.
iris gillam
assistant coach
sophia hobby
assistant coach
Varshini Srikanthan
assistant coach
Varshini is an alum and former President of UCI Mock Trial, and she captained her A-Team to a top 5 finish at Nationals. She has won numerous attorney and witness awards, including an All National Attorney award. She is now pursuing her J.D. at UCLA Law School and competes on UCLA law’s trial team.
Julie Jones
assistant coach
Julie competed with UCI Mock Trial from 2022 - 2024, joining in her third year as a transfer student from community college. Captaining in her first and second years in the program, Julie was integral in helping her team earn a bid to regionals, and captained a first place winning team. Since then, Julie has elevated UCI Mock Trial as Assistant Tournament Director, and has contributed to UCI’s current #15 national ranking as a competitor on our top team. Julie is currently working full time at a personal injury firm and applying to law school.
Caitlin todd
assistant coach
Josiah Jones
assistant coach
Josiah competed with UCI Mock Trial from 2020 - 2024, serving as both the program’s President and A-Team captain. During his time at UCI Mock Trial, he won over 20 attorney and witness awards, including two All-American attorney awards. Josiah competed at Trial By Combat twice and placed 2nd in 2023. After graduation, Josiah will be working at a local law firm and applying to law school.
Dylan Darwish
assistant coach
Dylan is an alum and former A-Team captain and treasurer, earning 12 individual attorney and witness awards throughout his time on the team. He is now pursuing his J.D. at UCLA Law and competing on UCLA Law’s trial team. Beyond law, Dylan has a background in professional acting, with experience in film and television.
