Championship year for School of Law competition teams

Mock Trial Society members (from left) Richard Stannard III 3L, Maura Crossin 3L, Michael Bivona 3L, James Fraguela 3L after winning the Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition.

May 8, 2013 -- The Quinnipiac School of Law competition teams took their winning tradition to a new level this spring, ending their best year yet with team and individual honors in top regional and national contests.

The competition teams - Mock Trial Society, Moot Court Society, and the Society for Dispute Resolution - went up against top law school talent from across the country, bringing home major awards and great experience. Each of the teams that won on the regional level advanced to the national competition for their category. The spring achievements capped a banner year for Quinnipiac Law teams, who had also placed well in several earlier prestigious competitions (see all results below).

Being involved in competitive organizations gives students more chances to build critical skills and develop as practice-ready law professionals. "Moot Court helps prepare the competitor to be a well-rounded attorney," said Peter Carpentier, president of the Moot Court Society. "Its members hone many skills - writing, critical thinking, and effective oral advocacy - when they prepare for and participate in external competitions."

It is not only the students conducting the arguments who get great experience, but those behind the scenes as well. Quinnipiac Law's competition teams are coached by students and alumni, a chance to put lessons of collaboration and teamwork to the test. "Dispute resolution is the most relevant to day-to-day self-improvement," said Josh Elliott, president of the Society for Dispute Resolution. "When I coached my teams, I was more concerned with helping them improve their communication skills and effectiveness [than winning]. Every interaction we have with people is, in essence, a micro-negotiation. I really viewed these competitions as a means to improve on ourselves."

Richard Stannard III, president of the Mock Trial Society, agrees that students involved in competition organizations benefit from the opportunity to work in teams with colleagues and graduates. "We were incredibly fortunate to have a large group of dedicated students who worked tirelessly to improve as Trial Advocates," he said. "The influence of having such strong teammates and great coaches is what pushed us over the top."

Competition Results:

Learn more about the:

• Mock Trial Society
• Moot Court Society
• Society for Dispute Resolution