By MATT CHANDLER
mchandler@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1654

Buffalo State College will host the 2012 Great Lakes Regional Tournament of the American Mock Trial Association.

Set for Feb. 11-12, it will feature more than 25 teams from 17 universities including Cornell, Bowling Green, Canisius, the University at Buffalo and Buffalo State.

The school is seeking attorneys to volunteer as judges for the competition, which consists of four rounds: two on Saturday and two on Sunday. Each trial requires two to three judges. The presiding judge will rule on objections and evidentiary procedure while scoring judges will rate the performance of the student attorneys and witnesses.

"We are very pleased to be selected as host again this year," said Jon Lines, lecturer of political science and regional tournament director. "We look forward to bringing Western New York's legal community together with the more than 200 student attorneys and witnesses who will be competing on campus that weekend."

The event is designed to provide undergraduates with knowledge of legal practices and procedures, as well as an opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking and public speaking.

Buffalo State College is asking local judges, attorneys, advanced-law students and other members of the legal profession to volunteer as trial judges. CLE credits will be available to eligible attorneys. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as a reception for volunteer judges on Friday, Feb. 10.

Those interested in volunteering can reach Lines at linesjj@buffalostate.edu or (716) 465-1327.