Pace Haub Law’s National Trial League Team Advances to Spring Playoffs
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Trial Advocacy Program has once again demonstrated its strength with a top finish by its National Trial League (NTL) team. Competing across seven rounds throughout the fall semester, the team has secured a Top 4 finish and advanced to the spring playoffs. As the reigning NTL champions, this latest success continues the momentum of the Pace Haub Law NTL team.
This year’s team is composed of Skyler Pozo (3L), Maiya Aubry (3L), Alexa Saccomanno (3L), James Page (3L), Marina Di Leo (3L), Olivia Haemmerle (3L), Natalia Garcia Perez (3L), Samantha Diaz (3L), and Karolina Zimny (2L). They are coached by accomplished Pace Haub Law alumni and former advocacy standouts Joseph Demonte ’24, Matthew Mattesi ’24, and Liam Rattigan ’24, whose leadership and expertise have been instrumental in guiding the team through the demanding season.
“I am so proud to be part of this NTL team,” said NTL team member and Chair Executive Director of the Advocacy Program, Skyler Pozo (3L). “From August through November, we have put in countless hours preparing for each competition round. Last year, I was grateful to have been chosen to compete in the playoffs as a 2L and it is very rewarding for our hard work to pay off and make the playoffs again this year. Our coaches have dedicated a tremendous amount of time ensuring we are prepared for each round and we could not have had such a strong finish without their guidance.”
The National Trial League is an innovative, fast-paced online trial competition, that features 14 teams, divided into two conferences, competing in a format modeled after traditional sports leagues. Unlike traditional weekend tournaments, the NTL format provides law students with multiple opportunities across the semester to hone their trial advocacy skills in a competitive environment. Between August and November, teams participate in seven rounds, with advancement determined by win-loss record, point differential, and total points. At the end of the regular fall season, four teams move on to the playoffs to be held in the spring.
During this regular season, Pace Haub Law’s competitors earned several individual recognitions:
- Skyler Pozo – Best Advocate, Rounds 2 & 5
- James Page – Best Advocate, Round 1
- Marina Di Leo – Best Advocate, Round 4
- Samantha Diaz – Best Advocate, Round 6
With their strong regular-season performance, the team now heads into the spring playoffs, which feature a round-robin semifinal format. The top two teams from those rounds will advance to compete for the championship title, while the remaining two will compete for third place.
“I am beyond proud of the hard work our NTL team has demonstrated over the last four plus months,” said Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice Louis Fasulo. “The success of the Pace Haub Law team during the regular season, along with their coaches, shows their ongoing commitment to success coupled with their outstanding advocacy skills. I look forward to seeing them compete in the spring playoff rounds.”