STU College of Law Trial Team Wins National Trial Competition Regional 6
By Bruno Diaz
For the first time in its history, St. Thomas University College of Law is proud to announce that its Trial Team won the Region 6 Regional Championship at the National Trial Competition (NTC), following a standout performance this past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. The regional competition was cohosted by the University of Georgia School of Law and Georgia State University.
STU sent two teams to compete:
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Team 1: Melody Blanco (3L) and Juan Estevez (2L)
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Team 2: Alexander Esquen (2L) and Frances Lissabet (2L)
Team 1 captured the regional title with an impressive run, defeating the University of Florida (both teams), the University of Georgia, and Florida State University (both teams).
STU’s witness team also played a critical role in the championship performance:
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Chase Freeman (2L)
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Lisandra Triana (2L)
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Matthew Rizzo (2L)
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Giancarlo Demarin (2L)
The teams were coached by Jeff James, Karina Harduvel (’18), and Carolina Del Campo (’20).
On the strength of this regional win, the team will be traveling to Dallas, Texas, to compete in the national finals from April 7 to 11.
The National Trial Competition is one of the nation’s premier law school advocacy competitions. Administered by the Texas Young Lawyers Association and co-sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers, the NTC was established in 1975 and draws teams from more than 150 law schools and more than 1,000 law students each year.
This Region 6 championship reflects the strength of STU College of Law’s trial advocacy program and the discipline, preparation, and courtroom excellence of its student advocates, witnesses, and coaches.