Trial Advocacy

The fundamentals of Trial Advocacy are learned in the law school’s Trial Technique course, in which students spend a semester preparing and trying simulated cases under the tutelage of experienced trial lawyers. After Trial Technique, students have access to advanced trial courses and trial-related writing instruction. The law school also sponsors multiple student teams, coached by dedicated faculty and volunteer trial lawyers, in competitions throughout the United States.

What can you expect?

Trial team members are selected as early as Fall of their 2L year and can compete for up to 4 semesters.
Teams generally compete in 3-5 competitions each semester.
Trial Team members provide support for the Buffalo Niagara Trial Competition in Buffalo City Court in the Fall.
Trial Team members assist with outreach for the Advocacy Institute Board.

For more information, contact

Jennifer Scharf
Vice Dean for Career Services; Co-Director, Advocacy Institute; Director of Trial Advocacy
jrscharf@buffalo.edu

Lisa Bauer
Assistant Dean for Career Services
lisabaue@buffalo.edu

Outcomes

Trial team members have nearly a 100% bar pass and employment rate.

Staying Connected

Every year, past trial team members come back to UB as alumni coaches and support this tight-knit group of advocates.

Accomplishments

Francesca Manzella ’26 received the Outstanding Advocate award at the Trials and Tribulations VI Mock Trial Competition, hosted by the University of South Carolina School of Law. (2026)

UB Law placed 4^th in the Premiere Trial Competition, hosted by Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. (2025)
- Team members: Blaise Doyle ’27, Emily Gay ’27, Samantha Gaglio ’27 and Henry Nowak ‘27
- Emily Gay ’27 and Henry Nowak ’27 were also awarded Outstanding Advocates.

Zoom image: Four people in business attire stand together in front of large windows overlooking a city skyline, posing closely with arms around one another.

Four people in business attire stand together in front of large windows overlooking a city skyline, posing closely with arms around one another.

UB Law placed 2^nd in a split decision at the Puerto Rico Trial Advocacy Competition hosted by the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. (2025)
- Team members: Caitlyn Kelley ’26, Rich Neri ’26, Gianna Palumbo ’26 and James Wiesmore ’27

Zoom image: Four people stand indoors beneath an arched ceiling with plants behind them, posing for a photo while one person holds a plaque that reads “Second Place.”

Four people stand indoors beneath an arched ceiling with plants behind them, posing for a photo while one person holds a plaque that reads “Second Place.”.

UB Law was a quarterfinalist in the National Pretrial Competition Team hosted by Stetson University College of Law. (2024)
- Team members: Andrew Cegielski ’25, Katherine Kio ’25, Lachlan Macintosh ’26 and Tyler Myszka ’25
- Andrew Cegielski ’25 and Lachlan Macintosh ’26 were also awarded Best Movant’s Brief.

Zoom image: Four people in business attire stand outdoors in front of a Spanish-style building with arches and tall palm trees, posing together while one person holds a plaque labeled “Quarterfinalist.”

Four people in business attire stand outdoors in front of a Spanish-style building with arches and tall palm trees, posing together while one person holds a plaque labeled “Quarterfinalist.”.

UB Law was a quarterfinalist in the Peter J. Johnson National Civil Rights Competition Team hosted by St. John’s University School of Law. (2024)
- Team members: Isabella Bakshi ’25, Sierra Leitten ’25, Rani Patel ’25, and Meredith Wattle ’25