Mock Trial Team Competes in the Inaugural Shark Beach Showdown

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!”