Students from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Trial Advocacy Team were honored with an invitation to compete in the Tournament of Champions Competition hosted by the University of Houston. This year’s Haub Law team, consisting of Josephe Demonte (3L), Chloe Devanny (3L), Liam Rattigan (3L), and Madison Lane (2L), finished in fourth place at the end of the preliminary rounds and was ultimately eliminated by the UCLA team, who made it to the finals. Haub Law’s Tournament of Champions team was coached by the dedicated alumni AJ Muller ’15, Mike Luterzo ’20, and Madison Stewart ‘21.
Competitor Joseph Demonte received an award at the Competition for having the best closing argument in the entire tournament. “The Tournament of Champions is an intense mock trial competition that I was honored to participate in,” said Joe. “I am tremendously proud of the effort our team put forth on behalf of Haub Law and walked away feeling like I was a better advocate for having participated. Additionally, we could not have done as well as we did without the commitment and mentorship of our coaches.”
The annual exclusive competition only extends invitations to the top 16 trial advocacy institutions in the country. At the competition, the nation’s finest law students showcase their multifaceted talents by competing in teams of four with each team trying both sides of a criminal case consisting of two charges—twice as plaintiffs and twice as defendants. This year’s case dealt with charges of kidnapping in the second degree and robbery in the first degree with the key issue being identity. The prosecutions main evidence consisted of the defendants fingerprint found at the crime as well as the victim identifying the defendant out of a photo array. The defenses main evidence was an eyewitness who opined the defendant was not the perpetrator and an expert in witness identification. Participants also receive intensive, one-on-one coaching from top-tier professionals in law school trial advocacy programs.
"The Tournament of Champions mock trial competition is an invite only Competition that is composed of the best of the best,” said Louis V. Fasulo, Director of Moot Court and Advocacy Programs and Professor of Practice in Advocacy. “I am proud of the effort our Haub Law students put forth this year and look forward to competing again in the future.”
Growing up in a first-generation Italian household, 3L Stella Capparelli learned perseverance and grit from her parents, who immigrated from Italy. From an early age, she understood that not everyone has the opportunity to attend college or law school, and she was determined to make the most of the opportunities she had.
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