Tori Latus is the ultimate multi-tasking ‘collegiette,’ whose drive and competitive spirit led her in becoming one of the youngest captains of the UIC Mock Trial team. The American Mock Trial Association creates an annual fictitious case that allows undergraduates to learn trial procedure while competing with other universities. Latus and her co-captain Samida Muhammad currently lead a team that has made the top 50 rankings over 650 programs. The successful team is on the verge of breaking a UIC Mock Trial record by making a third consecutive appearance at the National Championships. Can you say ‘Big Deal?’ The Political Science major can not only argue both sides to any case, but she also gives a ground-breaking closing argument.
As if this isn’t impressive enough, Latus also manages to complete all of the tasks in her “scribbled up day planner.” This includes a hectic class schedule, a part-time job and a social life. The award-winning Mock Trialer recently spoke to us about the program’s positive impact, as well as time management and future team expectations.
Tori Latus is nothing short of remarkable. Trust me, I’ve seen this girl in action!
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Name: Tori Latus
Year: Senior
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Burbank, IL
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with my friends, reading, watching TV, going to concerts. Typical college kid stuff.
What motivated your involvement with Mock Trial?
I can’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t considering being a lawyer. So, when I got to UIC and heard about Mock Trial I thought it would be a good opportunity to figure out if it was something I really wanted to do. Plus, I was a freshman and didn’t really know anybody on campus, and I thought it would be a chance to meet some new people with similar interests. It turned out I was right, some of my closest friends three years later are people I met on the team.
What do you enjoy most about Mock Trial?
I consider myself a pretty competitive person, so naturally I love the competitive nature of it. But I think what I really appreciate is that while we are competing against other schools, within our own team we’re like a family – working together to win, but also supporting each other in other aspects of our lives.
It was only after your first year that you became captain. How did that feel?
Scary. I turned 18 just two months before I found out I was captain. I was still trying to figure out who I was, and also trying to lead other people. But at the same time it was really exciting, I knew that it meant I would have three more years to grow and develop myself and help to develop our team.
The team recently held try-outs. How do you feel about your new team mates?
I’m really excited to see them all develop as oral advocates and as teammates. Tryouts and new members are one of my favorite parts of each season, and this year we have a really great, diverse group of people – from freshmen to seniors, pre-med students to pre-law students.
Your co-captain, Anthony Hatzilabrou graduated last semester. Do you feel that you have an even bigger responsibility?
Change is always hard, and its certainly different, but fortunately I’m lucky enough to have an amazing new co-captain named Samida Muhammad. She’s a sophomore just like I was when I became captain, and I see a lot of my drive in her. While she’s certainly a very different personality than Tony was, she easily brings just as much to the table.
Mock Trial is a huge commitment. How do you manage to find a healthy balance between school, work, and extracurricular activities?
Honestly, sometimes I don’t. I find myself taking mock trial phone calls on my breaks at work, then coming home and staying up much later than I should be to finish my homework before school the next day. But with a little planning and a very, very scribbled up day planner, I manage to make it all work.
This is your last year of college. What are your plans after graduating?
I’m actually starting my applications for law school in the next month or so. I’m looking at a lot of different schools, but ideally I see myself in the Washington, D.C. area. Ultimately I want to be a trial attorney (surprising, I know ).
How has mock trial impacted your overall experience at UIC?
I would have to say that Mock Trial has changed my entire college experience. Like I said, some of my closest friends here are my teammates and former teammates. It has also opened a lot of doors for me, introduced me to tons of great people personally and professionally. Also, I think competing in any activity representing your school gives you pride in your school and a desire to give back to it as much as you can.
What are your expectations for the team this year?
This is a big year for us. We recently broke into the top 50 rankings out of 650 programs. This year we have a chance to break a UIC Mock Trial record and send our team to the National Championship three years in a row. So, we’re going to spend this season working hard to get there.
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