STU Law Mock Trial Team semi-finalist in Michigan State National Trial Advocacy Competition.
STU student recognized for the “Best Cross Examination"

We are pleased to announce the St. Thomas University School of Law Mock Trial Team was a semi-finalist team in the Michigan State University College of Law National Trial Advocacy Competition held the weekend of October 23, 2010. More than 26 teams from across the nation competed, trying a first degree murder case. Law students Veronica LaCasa and Aron Gibson represented the Prosecution, while Courtney Deblis and Bryan Paschal represented the Defense.

The St. Thomas Mock Trial Team defeated teams from prestigious law schools such as Baylor, Loyola, Fordham University (the previous year's winner), and Houston (last year's finalist), and finished as a semi-finalist.

In addition to winning the semi-finalist trophy, the highlight of the weekend was when Courtney Deblis earned top honors and a trophy for conducting the "Best Cross Examination." Ms. Deblis’ cross examination was chosen by the judges as the best of over 300 cross examinations performed.

Mike Mayer and Tara Kawass, Assistant Public Defenders at the Miami Office of the Public Defender, and Judge David M. Gersten, faculty advisor and judge on the Third District Court of Appeal, coached the team.