UMass Law News UMass Law News: UMass Law hosts inaugural mock trial competition, showcasing student advocacy skills

Three-day event brings together students and prominent SouthCoast legal leaders for hands-on courtroom experience

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's School of Law (UMass Law) hosted its first-ever in-house mock trial competition April 10–12, bringing together more than 50 students for a weekend of simulated courtroom proceedings judged by leading members of the SouthCoast legal community.

Organized by mock trial coaches Amy McNamee and Dana Sargent, the inaugural competition featured a bracket-style format in which student teams advanced through multiple rounds of criminal trial simulations. Participants argued both prosecution and defense positions, gaining hands-on experience in trial advocacy, including opening statements, witness examinations, and evidentiary objections.

The competition culminated in semifinal and final rounds on Sunday, presided over by distinguished guest judges, including Judge Joseph P. Harrington, Presiding Judge of the New Bedford Third District Court; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III; and Erin Steadman, Attorney in Charge of the New Bedford Trial Office for the Committee for Public Counsel Services.

"We are deeply committed to preparing practice-ready attorneys, and seeing our students step into the courtroom, advocate with confidence, and learn from leaders in the legal community is exactly what our program is all about."

Max Couture and Sydney Brands, both first-year law students, won the championship round as the prosecution in a first-degree assault and disorderly conduct case. They argued that self-defense did not apply because of the disproportionate force used by the defendant. The case turned on whether the defendant was justified in using a 30-inch metal flashlight in response to his legs being trapped and slammed in between a car door. 

"It was incredibly rewarding to see the skills and training I've received from my professors and coaches come together in a realistic courtroom setting," said Couture. "I look forward to continuing to compete and helping grow UMass Law's trial advocacy program."

"I learned so much through the experience of competing alongside my classmates," said Brands. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to develop invaluable skills under the guidance of our coaches, professors, local attorneys, and judges. It was an incredibly rewarding experience."

Following the final round, students, faculty, and members of the legal community gathered for an awards reception to celebrate the competitors and mark the success of the program's inaugural year.

"This inaugural competition is a milestone moment for UMass Law and a powerful example of who we are as an institution," said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. "We are deeply committed to preparing practice-ready attorneys, and seeing our students step into the courtroom, advocate with confidence, and learn from leaders in the legal community is exactly what our program is all about."

Rebecca Moor, teaching professor and director of advocacy programs at UMass Law, emphasized the value of immersive advocacy training. "Mock trial gives students the opportunity to develop and refine essential courtroom skills in a supportive but challenging environment," she said. "We were thrilled to see such strong participation in this first competition and look forward to growing the program in the years ahead."

The in-house mock trial competition is just one part of UMass Law's nationally-recognized practical training program. One hundred percent of UMass Law students are guaranteed an internship or clinic placement, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with the practice of law before graduation.