25 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 before the pandemic after a quick online search. she quickly learned 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 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 enrichment; it was where she refined her leadership abilities and professional acumen. While she had taken Advanced Placement 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 thrived under pressure. Beyond preparing for competitions, she made sure that the organization prioritized community building and service, team-building exercises, and advocacy work. With the unwavering support of their Faculty Advisors, Dr. Robert Edwards and Mr. Juan Woods, co-president, Chelsea Mendes, a dynamic executive board, and the support of Community and Attorney Coaches, Judge Chaundra D. Lewis, Adrienne Nash, Olivia Jenkins, Alasia Dalton, and Madison Thompson, she established a foundation that will last well beyond her time at Spelman.
As she prepares for graduation, Sims does not doubt her next step: 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 PhD 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 has left an indelible mark on Spelman College. She hopes that 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 wavering commitment to justice and service, Alexis Sims is proof that one person can ignite meaningful change. And with every courtroom she enters, she will carry the same fire that has fueled her since she was five years old.