On February 23-24, 2024, Seton Hall Law School's Mock Trial Team competed in the inaugural
Shark Beach Showdown—a national trial competition hosted by Nova Southeastern University
Shepard Broad College of Law in Davie, Florida. Nicholas Owens '24, Nicole Chamberlain
'24, Fatima Abughannam '24, and Jake Collins '24 proudly represented Seton Hall Law,
one of twenty-four law schools selected to participate from throughout the United
States. Nicholas Owens ’24, earned the Best Advocate Award for receiving the highest
scores out of over 90 competitors in every category of his performance, including
direct and cross examinations as well as closing argument and rebuttal.
Collectively, Seton Hall’s Mock Trial students rose to the challenge and successfully
competed against some of the best trial advocacy teams in the country. They competed
in multiple trial rounds where they prosecuted and defended a criminal matter involving
charges of accomplice liability for vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, and
street racing. Each student performed opening and/or closing arguments and conducted
direct and cross examinations of witnesses. The tournament took place at the campus
of Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad College of Law and at the Broward County Courthouse
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The team was coached by Danielle N. Craft, Esq. ’18,
Co-Director of Seton Hall’s Mock Trial program and Associate at Gibbons, P.C.
“It was an honor to coach this talented group of students and watch them flourish,”
said Danielle Craft. “They learned and implemented essential trial advocacy skills
that are applicable in everyday practice, such as lodging and defending evidentiary
objections, developing case themes and theories, refreshing recollection, and impeachment.
I’m excited to see their legal careers unfold—their futures are bright!”
For more information, please contact:
Seton Hall Law School