The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Black Law Students Association Mock Trial Advocacy Team finished strong in the prestigious 57th Annual Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition. After months of dedicated preparation, the team traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for the Competition, ultimately placing fourth in the nation based on preliminary scores, which propelled them to the competition's quarterfinals where the team finished in the top eight among over twenty competing schools.
The BLSA defense team for the Competition included Ashley Baizas (3L) and Jason Lee (4L), while Julie Bazile (2L) and Andrew Pierre (3L) served as the prosecution. Brianna Pryce, Esq. ‘20 prepared, mentored, and coached the team with Adjunct Professor Betty Lawrence Lewis providing support as well.
“I am proud of the Pace Haub BLSA Mock Trial Team,” said BLSA Mock Trial Team Coach Brianna Pryce. “Each student embraced the challenge, honing their skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and legal analysis. Their ability to craft compelling arguments, conduct themselves with poise in the courtroom, and support one another exemplifies their growth—not just as competitors, but as individuals. The countless hours of practice, late nights of research, and tireless dedication to refining their arguments truly paid off.”
Student competitor and BLSA Vice President, Jason Lee (4L), describes participating on the BLSA Mock Trial Team as one of the most transformative decisions of his law school journey. “Through many long nights of preparation and deep commitment to the craft of advocacy, I found my voice — not just as a student, but as a future trial attorney. This experience gave me confidence and reminded me that I can achieve more than I imagined. I am forever grateful to our incredible coaches and to my teammates.”
Leading up to the national competition, the Pace Haub BLSA team finished in the top two teams at the regional Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition. At the regional competition, student competitor Julie Bazile (2L) received an individual award for Best Prosecution Advocate.
“I am so proud of our BLSA team, which once again made it to Nationals,” said Professor Louis Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice. “Led by Coach Brianna Pryce and Professor Betty Lewis, we are clearly one of the strongest competitors year after year. Congratulations to the team, who consistently displayed hard work and strong skills. We all could not be prouder.”
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s trial advocacy program is consistently ranked among the top institutions by U.S. News and World Report, with the most recent ranking of #13 in the nation, placing it impressively among the top 10% of schools nationwide.
