2015-16 Teams

For the 2015-16 season, our teams from the School of Law prepare to compete in a number of national competitions.

AAA Arbitration Competition

Victoria L. Hahn '17, Larry Waters '17, Julia Purdy '15. (Not in photo: Cara Cox ’16 - alternate; Lisa Bauer - coach).

Victoria L. Hahn '17, Larry Waters '17, Julia Purdy '15. Not in photo: Cara Cox ’16 (alternate); Lisa Bauer (coach)

November 13-14, 2015

This brand new competition is sponsored by the Nwe York State Bar Association’s Dispute Resolution Section and the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and will be held at the AAA offices in New York City. The competition consists of a full arbitration hearing governed by the Large Complex Commercial Rules of the AAA. After submitting a pre-hearing brief the team will compete through presenting openings, closings, directs and crosses before a panel of experienced arbitrators. The competition features two preliminary rounds in which teams of two lawyers present on each side. Successful teams advance to a final round.

ADR: Representation in Mediation Competition

Pictured: Joseph Lavoie ’17, CJ Cook ’17, Erica Pandolfo ‘17 & Andrew DeMasters ’17.

Pictured: Joseph Lavoie ’17, CJ Cook ’17, Erica Pandolfo ‘17 & Andrew DeMasters ’17

Feb 26 & 27, 2016

The School of Law sent two teams to compete in the 17th Annual Representation in Mediation Regional Competitions in February, in Memphis, TN. The Finals were held in conjunction with the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Spring Conference in April, in New York, NY.

Buffalo Niagara Mock Trial Competition

Adela Smehlik '17, Sarah Draper '16, Merrick Sadler '16, Aaron VanNostrand '16.

Adela Smehlik '17, Sarah Draper '16, Merrick Sadler '16, Aaron VanNostrand '16

November 7 - 10, 2015

This competition is one of the biggest national invitational in the country, with more than 40 teams competing each year. Since 2004, teams from more than 30 law schools across the country travel to Buffalo to compete in this prestigious annual competition. Law students try both sides of a homicide case before experienced judges and trial attorneys who volunteer as judges and evaluators.

William W. Daniel National Invitational Mock Trial Competition

Robert Connor '16, Colleen Moonan '17, Phillip Pierre '17, Erica Pandolfo '16, Megan Hartl '16.

Robert Connor '16, Colleen Moonan '17, Phillip Pierre '17, Erica Pandolfo '16, Megan Hartl '16

November 20-22, 2015

The competition is hosted by the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the State Bar of Georgia as an annual criminal mock jury trial competition for U.S. law students. Every summer, the William W. Daniel National Invitational Mock Trial Committee sends hundreds of applications to ABA-accredited law schools. Only 18 schools are invited to compete in this well-known competition named in honor of the late Judge William W. Daniel of the Superior Court of Fulton County.

Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition

team.

First row: Safa Ferrer ‘17, Ashmita Roka ’17, Maria Apruzzese ‘17 , Natasha Yunas ‘17.
Second row: Megan Knepka '17, Michael Marrero ‘17, Andrew DeMasters ’16, Kevin Lelonek '16.
Third:  Chris Sasiadek '16, John Minnick ’17, Mathew John '16, Andrew Tabashneck '16.

Jan 27–31, 2016 (Northeast Regional)
March 8-13, 2016 (National)

Six teams from the School of Law competed in the annual Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition at the Northeast Regional Convention of the National Black Law Students Association in New Jersey. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition (FDMCC) which has been a vital part of NBLSA’s programming since 1975. Throughout the years, the FDMCC has provided hundreds of teams from across the nation with invaluable resources and opportunities to develop their appellate advocacy through oral arguments and brief writing, network with attorneys who come from a range of practices and connect with like-minded law students from all different walks of life.

[Read more about our Northeast Regional results]

The Susan J. Ferrell Moot Court Competition

team.

Seated: Noreena Chaudari ’17, Christina Kennedy ’17.
Standing: Brian Lynch ’17, Griffin Dault ‘17.
Coaches flanking team: Mathew Hoffman & Jon Dominik

Jan 29 – Jan 31, 2016

The Susan J. Ferrell Moot Court Competition, now over 10 years old, is a competition revolving around a simulated court proceeding, in which teams representing both sides of the argument prepare written pleadings, with respect to a fictional problem of international human rights law and policy, and present their arguments in an oral argument before the International Court of Justice.

Florida State University College of Law Civil Mock Trial Competition

Justina Sailor '16, Victoria Karnisky ’17, Ryan Stebbins ’17, Gina Grimaglia ‘16.

Justina Sailor '16, Victoria Karnisky '17, Ryan Stebbins '17, Gina Grimaglia '16

Feb 26 – 28, 2016

Since 2013, the College of Law Mock Trial Team has hosted the annual National Civil Mock Trial Competition, utilizing the college's five courtrooms with cutting-edge technology. Mock Trial teams from colleges and universities around the country compete in the civil law competition.

Jessup International Moot Court Team

Steven Fildes ’17, Emily Eckert ‘17, Erin Decker ’16 Steven Fisher ’16, Emily Eckert ’17 with coaches: Kevin Espinosa, Angela Delgato, and Michael Hecker.

Steven Fildes ’17, Emily Eckert ‘17, Erin Decker ’16 Steven Fisher ’16, Emily Eckert ’17 with coaches: Kevin Espinosa, Angela Delgato, and Michael Hecker

2016 will be the 57th year of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Jessup is the world's largest moot court competition, with participants from over 550 law schools in more than 80 countries. The Competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations. One team is allowed to participate from every eligible school. Teams prepare oral and written pleadings arguing both the applicant and respondent positions of the case.

Peter James Johnson '49 Memorial National Civil Rights Trial Competition

Alexandra Cusano '16, John Ewell '16, Seth Hiser '16, (standing) Coach Matthew Murray.

Alexandra Cusano '16, John Ewell '16, Seth Hiser '16, (standing) Coach Matthew Murray.

October 22-25, 2015

The only national civil rights trial competition in the country, the four-day Peter James Johnson Competition offers law students from up to 16 law schools throughout the country an opportunity to try a civil rights case in an actual courtroom setting before prominent jurists and trial attorneys. The Competition was renamed the Peter James Johnson ’49 National Civil Rights Trial Competition in 2008 in honor of Peter James Johnson ’49, a St. John’s graduate who dedicated his legal career to excellence in the practice of law. The competition was held at St. John's University School of Law in Queens, NY.

Judge Paul Joseph Kelly, Jr. Invitational Trial Competition

Aran O'Gara '16, Ashley Czechowski '17, Aaron Jacobson '16.

Aran O'Gara '16, Ashley Czechowski '17, Aaron Jacobson '16

November 14-15, 2015

The Brendan Moore Trial Advocacy Center at Fordham University School of Law hosts the Judge Paul Joseph Kelly, Jr. Invitational Trial Competition. The competition was held at the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The competition was created with the generous assistance of Patrick W. Kelly to honor his brother, Judge Paul Joseph Kelly, Jr., Fordham University School of Law Class of 1967 and current Circuit Court Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

The competition features two preliminary rounds in which teams of two lawyers try the case on each side. Successful teams advance through quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. The championship round is then judged by a special guest judge to be announced. Witnesses are provided throughout the competition.

Lone Star Classic National Mock Trial Tournament

Olivia Paulo '17, Thomas Kotrys '16, Sam Benatovich '16, Kathleen Farell '16.

Olivia Paulo '17, Thomas Kotrys '16, Sam Benatovich '16, Kathleen Farell '16

October 15-17, 2015

The Lone Star is a criminal trial competition featuring 16 schools, sponsored by St. Mary’s University School of Law and will be held in San Antonio, TX.

The Jeffrey G. Miller Pace National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition (NELMCC)

Jeffrey Shalke '17, Christine Sullivan '16, and John Darnell '16. Coached by Prof. Jessica Owley (not pictured).

Jeffrey Shalke '17, Christine Sullivan '16, and John Darnell '16. Coached by Prof. Jessica Owley (not pictured)

Feb 18 - 20, 2016

Held in White Plains, NY, this competition provides a rigorous academic experience for the participants, testing skills in appellate brief writing and oral advocacy, involving issues drawn from real cases, and providing first-hand experience in environmental litigation. Competitors research and analyze current and challenging legal environmental issues, write persuasive arguments advocating how the issues should be resolved, argue the issues orally and have their performances evaluated and critiqued by practicing attorneys.

National Native American Law Student Association Moot Court Competition

Andrea DiNatale ’16 and Kaileen Balzano ’16 (not pictured coach: Prof. Jessica Owley).

Andrea DiNatale ’16 and Kaileen Balzano ’16 (not pictured coach: Prof. Jessica Owley)

March 5 & 6, 2016

Sponsored by Michigan State University College of Law, the NNALSA Moot Court competition attracts local NALSA teams from around the country to compete, network, and develop lasting friendships with other individuals who wish to practice Indian law.  The field of Indian law is complex and rapidly evolving. Participation in the NNALSA Moot Court Competition gives students the experience of an appellate court setting. This setting demands quick thinking and deep understanding of the complex legal field of Indian law. The moot court problem focuses on prominent Federal Indian law and tribal governance issues. The two-person teams submit briefs and argue before a mock appellate panel. The panels consist of Indian law practitioners and scholars.

National Trial Advocacy Competition in Michigan

Kerry Ferrell '16, Victoria Karnisky '17, Matt Peine '17, Gina Gramaglia '16.

Kerry Ferrell '16, Victoria Karnisky '17, Matt Peine '17, Gina Gramaglia '16

October 9-11, 2015

The Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan hosted the 16th Annual National Trial Advocacy Competition at the Ingham County Courthouse in Lansing, MI. Law students Kerry Ferrell '16, Victoria Karnisky '17, Matt Peine '17, and Gina Gramaglia '16 represented the Law School as part of the Advocacy Institute's Trial Team Program. The School of Law's team made a strong showing and, while they did not advance, Karnisky was awarded best opening statement in the competition.

The National Trial Competition

Aaron VanNostrand ’16, Erin Rosewicz ’17, Olivia Paulo ’17, Andrew Mark ‘16.

Aaron VanNostrand ’16, Erin Rosewicz ’17, Olivia Paulo ’17, Andrew Mark ‘16

Jan. 28 – 31, 2016

This year the Advocacy Institute sent two teams to complete at the National Trial Competition. The competition was established in 1975 to encourage and strengthen students' advocacy skills through quality competition and valuable interaction with members of the bench and bar.  It exposes law students to the nature of trial practice and to serve as a supplement to their education. This spring’s regional competition took place in Queens, NY.

Queens County District Attorney Mock Trial

Taylor Golba ’17, Erin Rozewicz '17, Ryan Stebbins '17, Briana Miller '16.

Taylor Golba ’17, Erin Rozewicz '17, Ryan Stebbins '17, Briana Miller '16

October 24-25, 2015

The Queens County District Attorney’s Office sponsored its 2nd annual mock trial competition which was held in Kew Gardens, NY. The fact pattern for this year's competition was a murder case, tried under New York law.

Willem C. VIS International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court

Tori Han '17, Cara Cox '16, Devan Omahan '16, and Alex Verdi '16.

Tori Han '17, Cara Cox '16, Devan Omahan '16, and Alex Verdi '16.

March 19-24, 2016

An international competition, the Willem C. VIS International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court is held annually in Vienna, Austria, attracting more than 300 law schools from all around the world and spurring the creation of more than twenty pre-moots each year before the actual rounds are held in Vienna. The object of the Vis Arbitral Moot is to foster study in the areas of international commercial and arbitration laws and encourage the resolution of business disputes by arbitration. This is the first time the Advocacy Institute had sent a team to compete internationally at this competition.