Haub Law’s Mock Trial Team Competes in Regional Finals of the American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition
For the third year in a row, Haub Law’s mock trial team reached the Regional Finals in the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Student Trial Advocacy Competition held March 2nd – 5th. With a region of law schools in the Northeast, Haub Law’s team competed in a total of five rounds, advancing to the championship round, ultimately losing to Drexel by the slimmest of margins. Kathryn Facelle (3L), Joseph Demonte (2L), Chloe Devanny, (2L), and Alyssa Parisi (3L) competed alongside their fantastic coaches AJ Muller, Esq. and Michael Luterzo, Esq. Kathryn Facelle took on both sides of the trial, competing as the Plaintiff with Chloe Devanny and the Defense with Joseph Demonte. Alyssa Parisi selflessly dedicated her time to this team and played their fabulous witness, sacrificing her nights and weekends to attend practices. Haub Law commends the team’s hard work and dedication to the Advocacy Program.
Competitor Kathryn Facelle stated, “After winning the AAJ Regional Championship last year and finishing as semi-finalists in the National Competition, we were determined to reclaim our title. The dedication of this team to practicing and improving our skills is incomparable. We put in countless hours on Zoom and in person as a team, individually with our witnesses, with our co-counsels, and even during scrimmages with other law schools on the weekends. Although the outcome was not exactly what we hoped, I am still unbelievably proud to have been part of this team and have made it to the finals. I would not have become the advocate I am today without the help and support of my fantastic coach, AJ Muller, Esq. I had the privilege of competing on AJ’s team since I first joined the Advocacy Program and cannot be more thankful for all the skills and knowledge that he has provided me with. Additionally, our assistant coach, Michael Luterzo, Esq., has been incredibly helpful in preparing and growing our skills, getting us competition ready in no time. I could not be more grateful for their help these past 2 years!”
“As always, the advocacy students at Pace are always a pleasure to coach,” said assistant coach and Haub Law alumnus Michael Luterzo, Esq. “For months, I have watched this team spend countless hours honing their craft and preparing for this competition. Late nights and long practices paid off. For the third straight year, a Pace team has advanced to the regional finals in this competition. I am extremely proud of this team, your hard work showed through every round of the competition. For our 3L, Kathryn Facelle, who will be leaving us after this year, I wish you nothing but the best in your future and know that you are well prepared to become a fantastic trial attorney in the real world. Congratulations to this team… see you at finals next year!”
Head Coach AJ Muller added, “It was a phenomenal performance by this group of the students. Their dedication and hard work shined in the competition against some of the toughest competitors in the nation. It was a privilege and joy seeing them grow this semester and watching their skills in action, they are truly elite caliber student advocates. Kathryn Facelle will be deeply missed, and I have no doubt that she has a very promising future ahead. Our second-year students demonstrated tremendous talent and I look forward to their continuing success in this great program.”
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law’s trial advocacy program has been ranked amongst the top 15% of law schools in the country. This year, Haub Law had the privilege to be ranked #6 in Fordham University’s Trial Competition Performance Rankings.
