Haub Law’s LALSA Moot Court Teams Take Home First and Second Place in 17th Annual NLLSA Moot Court Competition Held in Puerto Rico

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s LALSA Moot Court Teams took home first and second place in this year’s 17th Annual National Latina/Latino Law Student Association (NLLSA) Moot Court Competition. The Competition, held over the course of two days in Puerto Rico, is organized by NLLSA. Haub Law sent two teams to compete this year and in an exciting final round, the two Haub Law teams versed one another, ultimately finishing as the top two teams.

“This year’s Haub Law teams were well-prepared and excellent competitors,” said Angelica Cancel ’17, one of the team’s coaches. “To have our two teams take home first and second place is an honor and a testament to the dedication of the student advocates.” The Haub Law Teams consisted of Samantha Portillo (3L) and Kaitlyn Cepeda (2L) on one team and Francesca Rocha (2L) and Emanuel Yax (3L) on the other team. Samantha and Kaitlyn’s team, coached by Michael Pabon ’22, finished in first, with Francesca and Emanuel’s team, coached by Angelica Cancel ’17, in second. Additionally, Francesca Rocha (2L) won the Top Oralist Award – Appellant.

“I am so grateful to have had the experience of traveling to Puerto Rico for this competition with my Haub Law teammates,” LALSA Moot Court Team member Samantha Portillo (3L). “We prepared for months leading up to the competition and it is rewarding to see that hard work pay off with the results.” Haub Law has a strong history with NLLSA and the NLLSA Competition. Several Haub Law students have served on the executive board of NLLSA in the past. Currently, there are four Haub Law students on NLLSA’s executive board for the 2024-2025 academic year. Haub Law student Samara Pizarro ‘25 is the NLLSA Attorney General and assisted in writing this year’s competition fact pattern. Additionally, Haub Law students Henry Rodriguez (2L), Joesph Martinez (3L), Jalice Zea-Roman (3L) are members of the NLLSA executive board.

“This was a tremendous accomplishment for our teams and coaches,” said Professor Louis Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice. “The work and strategy along with the excellent argument made by the competitors led to both of our teams being recognized. Our victory here reflects the first time our teams received both champion and finalist recognition. The results speak volumes on the quality of our program and the dedication of all. I am very Pace Proud!”