The Bellarmine Tradition


Hall of Fame Coach Jim Wagoner and Former Coach Ruth Wagoner Founded the Program in 1985

The Bellarmine Philosophy

The mission of Bellarmine Mock Trial is to develop young people into magnificent human beings through participation in mock trial. 

2009 Staff

COACHES
James Wagoner – Jim is the founder of Bellarmine Mock Trial and has been practicing law since 1976. He is a partner at Ferrerri & Fogle focusing in civil litigation. He earned his bachelor of arts degree at Bellarmine and his juris doctor degree at the Brandies School of Law at the University of Louisville. Jim has been recognized on multiple occasions for his outstanding contributions to college mock trial and in 2007 was elected to the AMTA Coaches Hall of Fame.  
 
Jason Butler – Jason was a Bellarmine Mock Trial member from 95-99 and has been practicing law since 2003. He is a senior prosecutor and Chief Trainer at the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, focusing in violent felonies. He earned his bachelor of arts degree at Bellarmine and his juris doctor degree at Drake Law School. Jason is a three-time college mock trial All-American.
 
Christopher Schaefer – Chris was a Bellarmine Mock Trial member from 02-06 and received his license to practice law in 2009. He has served as legal clerk to Federal District Court Judge John Heyburn II and is now in private civil defense practice.  Chris earned his bachelor of arts degree at Bellarmine and his juris doctor degree at the University of Kentucky School of Law. Chris is a college mock trial All-American.     
      
ADVISORS 
COACHES EMERITUS
Dr. Ruth Wagoner – Ruth is an undergraduate and graduate professor of communications at Bellarmine and has been recognized on multiple occasions for her outstanding contributions to college mock trial.  In 2007 she was elected to the AMTA Coaches Hall of Fame. Ruth founded the program with her husband Jim and retired from the coaching staff in 2008.
     
Matthew Rich – Matt was a Bellarmine Mock Trial member from 97-2000 and has been practicing law since 2004. He is an associate at Katz Teller Brant & Hild in Cincinnati focusing in civil litigation. Matt earned his bachelor of arts degree at Bellarmine and his juris doctor at Cornell Law School.