Students

Pace BLSA Mock Trial team places first in 2022 Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition

Posted
March 4, 2022
Image
Pace BLSA team earns first place at 2022 Constance Baker Motley competition

The Pace BLSA Mock Trial team attended the 54th Northeastern Black Law Students Association Convention and placed first in the 2022 Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition. In four back-to-back rounds, the Mock Trial team edged out multiple law schools in the Northeast region. This year’s team included students Laura Felix, Nechelle Nicholas, Juan Rodriguez, and Naja Williams. Professor Betty Lewis coached the team. For months, a shadow team prepped alongside the competition team, consisting of students Katherine Boyd, Idalis Davis, Derek Segars, Aaliyah Smith.

Competitor Nechelle Nichols stated, “We have been preparing vigorously for the past four months and honed our trial skills. Every single team member stepped up to the plate, and that is what ultimately allowed us to think quickly on our feet, sharpen our acting skills, make multiple changes to our strategy, and deliver passionate arguments. Placing first in the Northeastern region in a competition named after a trailblazer who we each aspire to be like, and moreover, being a part of a convention which brought Black law students together was a true honor.”

More from Pace

In the Media

Haub Law Professor Imre Szalai speaks with Bloomberg Law about a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could make it easier for some gig workers to pursue wage-and-hour claims in court rather than through arbitration. Professor Szalai notes that the Court’s latest decision reflects a significant shift in how federal arbitration law is being interpreted and expands protections for transportation workers.

In the Media

Haub Law Professor Bennett Gershman speaks to Spectrum News Hudson Valley and analyzes proposed New York legislation aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, arguing that the measure could face significant legal hurdles because immigration authority rests primarily with the federal government. Professor Gershman also co-authors an amNewYork op-ed calling for reforms to the federal grand jury process, urging greater transparency, oversight, and procedural safeguards to help safeguard fairness and accountability in the justice system.