2018 UB School of Law's team: Jacob M. Eckenrode '19, Ariel A. Bauerle '19, Coach Leonard D. Zaccagnino, Angela M. Carson '19, Jonathan J. Reyes '19
This competition is one of the biggest national invitationals in the country, with more than 30 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.
After the preliminary rounds, the top 16 teams advance to the final rounds. Awards are presented at a banquet and include honors for Best Opening, Best Direct, Best Cross, Best Closing and Best Advocate.
28 law school teams traveled to Western New York to participate in the 19th Annual Buffalo Niagara Trial Competition which took place Friday, Oct. 14th to Sunday, Oct. 16.
Nova Southeastern (defense) defeated University of Baltimore School of Law (prosecution) by a 3-2 vote, winning the Finals of the Buffalo Niagara Trial Competition on Oct. 16th. Hon. Tracey A. Bannister (Associate Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department) presided over the case of People v. Bob Ross, a fictional case drafted by Jessica DeMichiel, Cathleen Roemer, Elizabeth Vinal, Caitlin O'Neil, and Jennifer Scharf.
Amanda Sirleaf (University of Baltimore School of Law) won the Best Advocate award, given in memory of Matthew Schnirel ’08, who was a member of our national trial team in his graduating year. Matthew’s sister Rebecca Schnirel ’14, who is a trial team coach, Trial Technique Instructor, and Assistant District Attorney in Erie County, and their father, Kevin Schnirel, presented the award to Sirleaf.
The following awards were given after the preliminary rounds:
Quarterfinals:
Semifinals:
Finals: