Excellence in Trial Advocacy
Duquesne University School of Law offers a nationally recognized trial advocacy program that seeks to prepare students to be courtroom-ready advocates. Through comprehensive coursework and competition experience, the program develops students' skills in case analysis, trial preparation, effective communication, witness preparation and case presentation.
Experienced faculty, alumni, trial lawyers and judges join the trial advocacy program director, Professor Amelia Michele Joiner, in training, mentoring and nurturing student advocates. Each year, the students participate in regional and national competitions across the country.
With more than 15 years of program excellence, the list of trial advocacy wins is extensive. Recent victories include: American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition 2011, National Champion; Tournament of Champions 2008, National Champion; and Buffalo-Niagara Invitational Mock Trial Competition 2008, National Champion. Duquesne University School of Law teams also have numerous American Association for Justice finalist and semi-finalist titles and National Trial Competition regional finalist appearances. Learn more.
Meet a Few of the Spring 2013 Competition Teams
The Duquesne Black Law Students Association National Trial Team, comprised of (left to right) Finn Skovdal, Christy Gamble, John Woodruff and Danielle Wete, won the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Regional Competition in February. Gamble was named "Best Advocate" as well. The team now heads to Atlanta March 6-10.
School of Law students (left to right) Christina Burik, Mary Kate Serratelli, Andrea Bova and Adam Quatrini will compete in the Academy of Trial Lawyers' Gourley Cup Feb. 20-22.
Meet the Fall 2012 Competition Teams
Jaime Hickton (left), won the award for "Best Closing Argument" during the Buffalo-Niagara Mock Trial Competition in November 2012. The team, featuring Hickton, Brandon Herring, Nichole Orr and Nicholas Borsuk-Woodman, placed as quarter-finalists in the prestigious 
event.
Colin Esgro, Elsbeth Koefer, Erica Lombardo and Ryan Wilk were finalists in the National Civil Trial Competition in Santa Monica, Calif., in November 2012.The Duquesne University School of Law team competed against 15 other law schools to advance to the championship.
Kevin McGinley, Michelle Ross, Maggie Lewis and Nicholas Marsilio competed in the William W. Daniel National Invitational Mock Trial Competition in Atlanta in November 2012.
Timothy Scelsi, Amber Reiner, Joseph Pometto and Christine Robinson competed in the Tournament of Champions in Chicago in October 2012.