Professor Margot Pollans delivered the James D. Hopkins Memorial Lecture on Monday, April 21, on "Inundations: Pain, Bodies, and the Law." Dean Horace Anderson appointed Professor Pollans as the James D. Hopkins Professor of Law for the 2023–2025 term. During the holder's term, the James D. Hopkins Professor delivers a lecture that is open to the entire law school community and members of the public.
Celebrating Excellence: Haub Law’s 2025 Advocacy Affair Honors Achievements and Leadership

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Trial Advocacy Program held the 2025 Advocacy Affair. Ranked #19 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, the event was a celebration of the Advocacy Program’s recent successes, the contributors who made it possible, and provided an opportunity for attendees to reconnect with colleagues, coaches, and classmates.
“Our trial advocacy program has had a very successful year,” said Professor Louis Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice. “The Advocacy Affair gave us an opportunity to recognize the achievements of our Advocacy Program – our students, the dedication of our coaches, and the support from our community. What truly sets Haub Law apart is the deep commitment we all have to each other’s success. I look forward to many more years of excellence and celebration.”
This year's event recognized outstanding individuals and teams whose dedication, skill, and leadership continue to elevate Haub Law’s nationally recognized advocacy program:
The Loretta Musial Service Award
This award is given in the name of Haub Law’s Advocacy Program Administrator Loretta Musial, who has celebrated more than 30 years of service to Pace. She has been instrumental in supporting students through their growth and endeavors throughout their time in law school. The award is presented to individuals who show an immense amount of commitment and dedication to our students. The recipient must show exceptional effort and dedication to our Advocacy Program and must have demonstrated a selfless commitment to the students and their pursuit of excellence as advocates.
- The Pace Haub Law Communications and External Affairs Department
The Alex Gastman Coach’s Award
The Alex Gastman Coach’s Award is awarded in the name of an outstanding alumnus of Haub Law, whose life and career tragically ended shortly after graduation. Alex Gastman was an outstanding litigator. He was a smart, strategic, fearless, and caring mentor to many. As an alumnus, he was committed to our students in the development of strong advocacy skills. He coached teams, mentored advocates, shared a strong, ethical foundation, and focused on fairness with an emphasis on serving others. Alex’s memory will live on through this annual award to Haub Law alumni who best emulate the dedication and commitment that Alex had to our students and the outstanding advocacy skills that they demonstrate within the broader legal community.
- Angelica Cancel, Esq. (Coach of the NLLSA Moot Court Competition Team).
- Michael Pabon, Esq. (Coach of the NLLSA Moot Court Competition Team).
- Luis Felix, Esq. (Coach of the 2025 Queens DA Mock Trial Competition Team).
- Matthew Mattesi, Esq. (Coach of the 2024–2025 National Trial League Competition Team).
- Liam Rattigan (Coach of the 2024–2025 National Trial League Competition Team).
- Joseph Demonte (Coach of the 2024–2025 National Trial League Competition Team).
- Daniel Masi, Esq. (Coach of the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition Team and the Tulane International Baseball Arbitration Competition Team).
The Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award
This award recognizes those who have distinguished themselves through outstanding advocacy skills, rigorous preparation, and deep dedication to the Haub Law Advocacy Program.
- Marc Bisogno (ADR)
- Madison Lane (Mock Trial)
- Tyler Ford (Moot Court)
The John C. Meringolo Unsung Hero Award
This award is presented in recognition of those whose exceptional dedication, quiet leadership, and steadfast commitment to the ideals of excellence have made a profound and enduring impact on the Haub Law Advocacy Program during the 2024–2025 academic year. This award honors the tireless efforts of a member of our community whose contributions, though often carried out behind the scenes, have been integral to the success and advancement of the program. Through resilience, humility, and an unwavering sense of purpose, the recipient has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service. This award is given in loving memory of the late John C. Meringolo, a proud father of twin boys, devoted husband to alumna Kristen Mogavero, dear friend to many, and a valued former adjunct professor at Haub Law.
- Alexandra Tagliamonti
The Dean Michelle Simon Leadership Award
This award recognizes and honors the outstanding and exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and invaluable contributions to the continued success of the Haub Law Advocacy Program for the 2024–2025 academic year.
- Hannah Conlon
- Tyler Ford
- Madison Lane
- Samara Pizarro
The Professor Keith Sullivan Award
The Professor Keith Sullivan Award recognizes the recipients’ exceptional professionalism, integrity, and performance in advocacy competitions as a representative of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University for the 2024–2025 academic year.
- Katerina Balukas
- Marc Bisogno
- Steven Caputo
- Stacey Colangelo
- Hannah Conlon
- Michael Doukas
- Patrick Duffy
- Tyler Ford
- Priscilla Holloway
- Emily Hunt
- Eva Juncaj
- Tyler Justic
- Madison Lane
- Paige Padula
- Julia Stueber