17 February 2025 2 minute read
At just five years old, Alexis Sims didn’t dream of being a princess or pop star — she imagined herself standing in a courtroom, delivering compelling arguments with the force and confidence of a seasoned attorney. This wasn’t just a fleeting childhood dream; it was a vision nurtured by her grandfather, a history enthusiast who refused to watch anything, but CNN, the History Channel or Law and Order. As the only entertaining option in a house filled with intellectual debates, Law and Order became her first glimpse into the legal world. Despite being terrified by the show's intense crime scenes, Sims was captivated by the attorneys and their fierce advocacy.
When Sims arrived at Spelman College, she eagerly searched for the Mock Trial team only to find an Instagram page from 2017 after a quick online search. She assumed the program's Instagram was just inactive, but she quickly learned that the team was inactive on campus. At a pre-law event at Morehouse College, she met another student London Kemp who shared her vision of reinstating Mock Trial at Spelman. The two collaborated to draft a new constitution, with invaluable help from Olivia Jenkins, a former team member, and now attorney and coach of the team. By the end of her freshman year, Spelman officially recognized the team as a registered student organization, marking the beginning of a new era for aspiring legal advocates on campus. Under Sims' leadership, Mock Trial became more than just a competitive team; it evolved into a space for mentorship, service, and professional development.
For Sims, Spelman has provided her with more than just academic and enrichment; it was where she has refined her leadership abilities and professional acumen. While she had taken AP courses in high school and participated in internships, nothing truly prepared her for the level of responsibility she assumed as the cofounder and president of Spelman Mock Trial.
Balancing the demands of leadership with a demanding double major in political science and philosophy was no small feat, but Sims thrives under pressure. Beyond preparing for competitions, she made sure that the organization prioritized community service, team building exercises, and advocacy work. With the unwavering support of a co-president, Chelsea Mendes, C'2025, and a dynamic executive board, she established a foundation that will last well beyond her time at Spelman.
As she prepares for graduation, Sims has no doubt about her next steps: law school. She plans to specialize in public interest law with an emphasis on civil rights, constitutional law, and public defense. While her passion for philosophy remains strong and the idea of pursuing a Ph.D. lingers in the back of her mind, her immediate priority is becoming an attorney.
Looking back, Sims marvels at the transformation — a young girl captivated by Law and Order to a woman who is leaving an indelible mark on Spelman College. She hopes her legacy will not only be the revival of Mock Trial, but also a culture of empowerment for student students passionate about the law.
With her tenacity, vision, and a wavering commitment to justice, Alexis Sims is proof that one person can ignite meaningful change. With every courtroom she enters, she will carry the same fire that has fueled her since she was five years old.