Stevenson’s Mock Trial Teams Receive Awards and Recognition at Two Tournaments

Stevenson University's Mock Trial teams competed at two tournaments over the weekend of October 17-18-one hosted by the College of William and Mary and the other by Seton Hall University. In the face of challenging competition, Stevenson's teams earned six individual awards and one team award, while placing fourth at William and Mary's Colonial Classic Mock Trial Invitational Tournament.

At the Colonial Classic, Stevenson competed against teams from William and Mary, Dickinson College, the University of Maryland, and American University, ultimately placing fourth out of a total of 20 teams. Three Stevenson students, all Legal Studies majors, earned four individual awards-the most of any team at the tournament. Junior Kylie Owens received both the Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness awards, while seniors Kandi Mkpasi and Andrew Cox each received an Outstanding Witness award. The entire Stevenson team received the Spirit of AMTA Award, which is voted on by fellow competitors and recognizes a team's character, professionalism, and kindness.

"Our finish at the Colonial Classic was impressive," said Melanie Snyder, Legal Studies Program Coordinator, Professor of Law, Pre-Law Advisor, and Mock Trial Coach. "Not only did the first-place team, William and Mary, lose only one ballot to us, but when it came time for all the competitors to vote on the AMTA Award, we received 10 out of 10 from every team for a perfect score of 30."

At Seton Hall's Pirate Invitational, Stevenson delivered a strong performance against Pace University, Seton Hall, Stony Brook University, and Fordham College at Lincoln Center. Two Stevenson Legal Studies majors, sophomore Isabella Pietryak and junior Ben Conway, each received an Outstanding Attorney award.

"Across both tournaments, all of our students gave us so much to celebrate through their performances, their teamwork, and the way they represented our program," Snyder said.

Stevenson University's Award-Winning Mock Trial Program

Through the award-winning Stevenson University Mock Trial program, Legal Studies and Pre-Law advising students don't just study the law-they gain hands-on experience in its practice. Stevenson's Mock Trial teams master the art of evidence presentation, sharpen their trial skills, and learn to craft winning courtroom strategies. Along the way, they build powerful connections with fellow students, practicing attorneys, and sitting judges. Follow Stevenson's Mock Trial teams on Instagram for the latest updates.