Mira Sachs

PHS’s new mock trial advisor doesn’t need to pass the Bar to pass the vibe check. Beginning his position during the 2025-26 school year, Larry Freeman will take over the team for his daughter and PHS social studies teacher Hillary Freeman.
A 40-year veteran high school teacher, Larry initially used his college education studying to be a prosecuting attorney, at the University of California, Berkeley. He then switched his career path during his senior year to pursue education. It was after finding a job at Miramonte High School that Larry connected his love of law and education, beginning his career in mock trial advising.
“I loved the law I was fascinated with it, and so I thought this [mock trail advising] sounds really cool and really fun,” Larry said.
Larry said in his prior years of mock trial advising, at Acalanes High School he had operated under a hierarchical system of learning. Students were expected to follow direct instructions from advisors and follow a strict routine of drills.
“We had what we call a machine team,” Larry said.
In contrast, Larry is interested in keeping the Piedmont mock trial team student-focused and mentor-driven.
“I’m going to put [mock trial] on the student-centric, student-centered component because I think it’s a special environment of learning and camaraderie,” Larry said.
Junior Heiko Sexton-Boer, co-president of the mock trial team said that the students are the people in charge, but they have a really cool coach who’s involved and helps people out during every practice.
Larry’s active involvement has been especially important this year. Along with losing an advisor, mock trial lost a majority of teammates with the graduating class of 2025.
“90 percent of the people that started [starting members] were seniors,” said Sexton-Boer.
Senior Quentin Shafroth, co-president of the Piedmont mock trial team, said that the 2025-2026 season will be an opportunity for a “rebuild year.”
“It’s a lot with losing our advisor, losing a majority of our team who were seniors last year, but having all of this fresh talent and having him being so supportive; it’s been great,” Shafroth said.
Shafroth said he sees Mr. Freeman as an asset to the growing team.
“[Mr. Freeman is] really inclusive; he’s really open to new ideas…I think [Mr. Freeman’s inclusivity] will help people get more engaged and focused and just willing to put work into the team,” Shafroth said.