The Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition is an innovative, invitation-only mock trial tournament where the single best advocates from the top 16 trial advocacy schools go head-to-head for the honor of Top Gun. It's a winner-takes-all event, with a prize of $10,000.

Unlike other mock trial competitions, participants do not receive the case file until they arrive in Waco, a mere 24 hours before the first round of trials begin. Preparation includes reviewing depositions, records, and photographs, and taking a trip to the actual places where events in the case supposedly occurred. Shortly before each round, competitors are assigned a witness or witnesses who may be used at their discretion during the round. The jurors for each round are distinguished trial lawyers and judges.