The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Trial Advocacy Teams Excel in Villanova Sports Law Competitions

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Trial Advocacy Program continued its outstanding record of success this fall, earning top honors at two prestigious sports law competitions hosted by Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Pace Haub Law Trial Advocacy teams competed in both the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition and the inaugural Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition. These Competitions tested students’ negotiation, advocacy, and analytical skills in simulated professional sports settings.

Pace Haub Law sent two teams to participate in this year’s Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition, earning both a first place and a third place finish. Pace Haub Law’s team one finished in third place and consisted of Madeline Law (3L) and Stephen Smith (3L) and team two, finishing in first place, included Brendan McDonough (2L) and Jonathan Riina (2L). Both teams were coached by alumnus Dan Masi ’14, who has successfully coached the team for years and participated on the team as a Pace Haub Law student. Notably, the Pace Haub Law team also finished in first place at the 2024 Competition.

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Taking place over the course of two days, the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition is a simulated exercise intended to mimic negotiations between MLB Players Association (MLBPA) player agents and MLB club executives before the salary arbitration Exchange Date between the MLB Labor Relations Department and the MLBPA as governed by Major League Baseball's Basic Agreement. “Both of our teams impressed judges who all have a connection to the baseball industry – ranging from player agents, team officials, practicing attorneys, and more,” said Coach Dan Masi ‘14. “Our advocacy teams have made a name for themselves in this competition and marks yet another significant achievement for our trial advocacy program. I am proud of all our competitors for showcasing their negotiation tactics ultimately resulting in a first and third place finish.”

This year marked the inaugural Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition, also taking place over the course of two days. Representing Pace Haub Law were Madeline Law (3L), Brendan McDonough (2L), and Brian Maher-Gurniak (2L). The team finished in first place in this debut event under the guidance of Coach Marc Bisogno ’25, who played a large role in the success of the advocacy program during his time as a student at the Law School. “Since this is the first year that this Competition was held, we were not entirely sure what to expect,” shared team member Madeline Law (3L). “However, with the support and guidance of our team coach, Marc Bisogno ’25, we felt well prepared. We worked as a team over the course of the last couple of months to prepare for many competition scenarios.”

“Our team demonstrated exceptional teamwork, creativity, and professionalism in navigating complex multi-party negotiations,” said Coach Marc Bisogno ‘25. “I am proud of their dedication and ability to successfully strategize and ultimately win this inaugural competition.” During the Villanova Hockey Negotiation Competition, participants tackled a series of real-world inspired negotiation challenges that commonly occur throughout the sports industry, ranging from front office partnerships to player-focused advocacy. Participants’ oral advocacy and negotiation skills were challenged in a series of prompts that will range from host-city to stadium naming rights negotiations. Winners were selected by judges from the hockey industry, including player agents, team officials, and attorneys regularly working in the space.

“These remarkable results underscore the strength of Pace Haub Law’s advocacy curriculum and the dedication of its students and alumni coaches,” said Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice Louis Fasulo. “Through simulated real-world experiences like these, Pace Haub Law students refine their ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and negotiate effectively, which are all skills that will serve them throughout their legal careers.”

Through simulated real-world experiences like these, Pace Haub Law students refine their ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and negotiate effectively, which are all skills that will serve them throughout their legal careers.

—Louis Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice

In addition to competing throughout the year, students in the Trial Advocacy Program also take on key leadership roles within the organization. This year, Madeline Law (3L) serves as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Director for the Pace Haub Law Advocacy Program, a position previously held by her coach in the Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition, Marc Bisogno ’25. As ADR Director, Madeline oversees the ADR branch of the Advocacy Program, supporting student teams as they prepare for competitions. “I feel fortunate to serve in this role,” she shared. “As Director, I regularly check in with team members to provide resources, advice, and support, ensuring that every student has the tools needed to succeed. Directors also help manage team dynamics and logistics, from registering for competitions to facilitating communication with other schools.”

Madeline notes that serving as Director has deepened her understanding of what goes into each competition. “Empowering students to serve in these executive roles,” she added, “is one of the many ways Pace Haub Law’s Trial Advocacy Program prepares its students to graduate confident, capable, and ready to practice.”