Ask any Brendan Moore Trial Advocate about the world of trial advocacy and they will tell you it involves lots of rigorous preparation and thinking on your feet. But many also emphasize that it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences in their law school careers as they’ve learned to refine fact patterns and case strategy with their co-counsels, hone their speaking abilities, and build confidence in the courtroom.
Kacie Candela FCRH ’19, LAW ’22, Alexandra Cosio-Marron ’22, Victoria Pascullo FCRH ’19, LAW ’22, and Julia Tedesco ’23 Evening recently competed in the virtual Florida National Trial Advocacy Tournament. The tournament—an invitational criminal trial competition hosted by the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law—was supposed to be held during the fall 2021 semester, but was postponed to Feb. 25-27, 2022, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Though some of the Fordham Law competitors had been teammates in previous trial advocacy competitions, this was the first time they all worked together—representing Fordham Law as an all-women team.
Fordham Law students who competed in the Florida National Trial Advocacy Tournament (February 2022) with coaches Katie McCabe FCRH ’12, LAW ’15 and Claire Huynh ’17.
Coaches Katie McCabe FCRH ’12, LAW ’15 and Claire Huynh ’17 brought indelible insight and support to the team, according to all four competitors, as they prepared for the Florida National Trial Advocacy Tournament. They strategized and mooted against one another for dozens of hours, both during weekdays and on weekends, in the five weeks leading up to the competition.
McCabe’s and Huynh’s coaching and commitment, in combination with the competitors’ teamwork dynamic and additional help from the network of Moore alumni, helped the team reach the semi-finals of the tournament. Candela, current managing editor of the Brendan Moore Trial Advocacy Center, also won the award for best opening statement.
The students recently discussed the most important lessons they have learned since joining the Moores as 2Ls, reflected on what being part of an all-women team has meant to them, and more.
On being a member of an all-women team:
“It was a great experience and opportunity to work with a team of all women whom I had previously seen succeed individually, but hadn’t necessarily had the chance to work with and learn from myself. Our camaraderie developed pretty quickly because we all came in with a very similar mindset. We all took the competition very seriously, but still very much wanted to enjoy ourselves and have fun as well. I’m really grateful for everyone on my team, including our coaches who were so supportive, thoughtful, and creative in ways that I had never imagined. I felt very lucky to be on this team and be part of this dynamic” – Cosio-Marron
“It was amazing to be on an all-women team—the first time I had been on one in my four competitions. When you have four people who gel and are on the same page, constantly communicating and supporting each other, no matter what role they’re in, it’s incredible. I think that magic is probably my favorite thing about trial advocacy. It was really empowering as 3L women to have our coaches, Katie and Claire, mentor us as well as show us the ropes and what our careers might look like in a couple of years.” – Candela
On the importance of personally having female mentors:
“Katie and Claire were so supportive and contributed to my growth. Every time I would say, ‘I have a stupid question,’ they’d immediately say, ‘There’s no such thing; ask away.’ My coach last semester, Brittany “Brit” Russell ’13, is also an amazing trial attorney and person who gave me constructive feedback when I needed it. She’s been a huge role model and female mentor for me.” – Tedesco
“When I was a 1L, I did my first summer internship at the Neuroscience and Law Center, led by Professor Deborah Denno, who I learned so much from while working alongside her. The following year, I served as a Crowley Fellow through the Crowley Program in International Human Rights, led by Jeanmarie Fenrich and Elisabeth Wickeri. During that time, I truly grew and saw how I could have a career in international law and what that might look like through a human rights law angle. Finally, through the Moores for the past two years, I’ve had female coaches almost every semester including Claire, Katie, Kate Flatley ’15, and Brittany Russell. This is something that I’ve been really grateful for at Fordham Law—how, in almost every avenue that I’ve pursued, I’ve had the opportunity to be mentored by and learn from incredible women who I look up to and hope to make proud one day.” – Cosio-Marron
What being a Moore Advocate has meant to them:
“I came to Fordham Law knowing I wanted to be a trial attorney, but having no trial experience at all. I had publicly spoken before, but being a trial lawyer is very different. The Moores have taught me everything—from perfecting our form and the way we speak to the judge and jury, to the way we speak to witnesses and opposing counsel, which each have their own components and styles to them. I also didn’t realize how much of an impact the way we interact with each—witnesses, juries, opposing advocates, and judges—would have until we got to the competitions and saw how other teams presented themselves. I’m really proud of that.” – Tedesco
“Being a Moore Advocate has been one of the highlights of my law school career, especially as we returned back to campus this year. It’s an organization where people want you to do well and it’s a place where you can practice litigation skills that you’re not going to be able to learn in the classroom, which makes it unique. As I’ve gone on with the competitions, I’ve learned that you don’t always know what to expect, but that the best thing you can do is to make yourself as well prepared as possible—to think on your feet and be there for your teammates. I think that when you have people who are dedicated, like my teammates and coaches were, it makes the experiences much more enjoyable.” – Pascullo
On building confidence:
“To cross examine a witness, deliver an opening statement or closing argument in the courtroom, and have the jury’s and the judge’s attention on you is empowering for anyone, but especially for a young woman. Everyone in that courtroom is listening to you and it’s your job to convince them of your argument. The Moores help bring out that confidence in young women lawyers who are finding their voice.” – Candela
Advice for students interested in trial advocacy:
“Preparing for a competition, in addition to your usual workload, can seem overwhelming, but it’s all worth it. You grow as a prospective litigator and as a person who’s learning to think on her feet. It’s been a great way to also get to know people on a different level while working towards a common goal, which I think creates a camaraderie that can’t be found in a lot of other places. I’d say try out because being a Moore prepares you well for your career and allows you to have fun while learning and doing trial advocacy.” – Pascullo
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