Wake Forest Law Trial Team Shines at Premiere Trial Competition

Participating in mock trials is a cornerstone of the law school experience, offering students a dynamic and practical way to bridge classroom theory and real-world legal practice. Through simulated courtroom scenarios, aspiring attorneys develop critical skills to prepare them for the challenges of trial practice.

Wake Forest Law’s Trial Team takes this approach, offering students invaluable opportunities to build their confidence inside and outside of the courtroom.

The weekend of November 2-3, 2024, students from Wake Forest Law’s Trial Team competed in the Premiere Trial Competition at Broward County Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

This annual competition provides first-time trial competitors the chance to argue in a mock trial setting, representing both plaintiffs and defense. Participants showcase their advocacy skills, test their courtroom abilities, and gain important legal experience. The competition offers a supportive environment where students receive constructive feedback from coaches and judges.

The event consists of four rounds of competitions, judged by coaches dedicated to encouraging growth and confidence among the participants. 

Sixteen schools made up of eighteen teams participated. Wake Forest Law placed in the top ten.

Representing Wake Forest Law were 2Ls Madison Doser, Mary McCullough, Jay Ramesh, and Nik Rappaport. Competition alternates included 2Ls Carson Sanford, Virginia Brown, and Caleb Osborne. The students were coached by Ashley DiMuzio (JD ’19), Mark Parent, and Judge Whit Davis of the Forsyth District Court Bench, who also took home the award for Best Judge. 

This year’s case, Estate of Peter Jones v. Dragon Studios, involved the fictional death of Peter Jones, a stuntman and movie star, allegedly caused by the negligence of Dragon Studios. Participating students began working on the case in September, immersing themselves in the intricacies of trial strategy, case analysis, and evidentiary rules.

Mary McCullough, who represented the plaintiff, prepared for months. “I wanted to be on top of my game for every practice, scrimmage, and then eventually for the competition,” says Mary. “Confidence comes from preparedness.”

Jay Ramesh, who also represented the plaintiff, was motivated by his peers who already had mock trial experience. “I spent hours working and fine-tuning everything each week, and you really have to know the case and the rules of evidence inside and out,” says Jay. “This was my first time doing a mock trial, and it was initially very intimidating because so many of my peers on the team had tons of experience. But that only inspired me to learn from them and work harder.”

Jay also gained confidence through feedback from his coach. “One day during a scrimmage, after reviewing an obscure evidence rule, I surprised my peers and coaches by making an unanticipated evidentiary argument,” Jay says. “After the scrimmage was over, one of our coaches, Judge Whit Davis, said, ‘I’ve never seen something like that before. I wish more practicing attorneys could make arguments and wield the rules of evidence like that.’ I’ll remember that for the rest of my life,” Jay continues. “That feedback inspired me to work even harder to become the best advocate I can be.”

Madison Doser, who represented the defense and won the Best Advocate Award, was excited to see how preparation transferred to results and confidence. “It was also exhilarating to learn that I was able to come up with trial strategies, apply skills I only just learned, and be successful. It was amazing to see all of those practices, all of those evidence discussions, all of those late nights and early mornings culminate into a performance I was proud of that also impressed the judges,” says Madison. “I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”

Ashley DiMuzio, a criminal defense attorney at Bell, Davis & Pitt and an adjunct professor at Wake Forest Law, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. As a Trial Team Co-Coach. Ashley dedicated countless hours to helping the students refine their skills and build their confidence. The hard work paid off. “All four students put on spectacular performances,” says Ashley. 

Nik Rapparport, who also represented the defense, recommends not only participating in mock trial competitions, but also having fun with it. “It’s a lot of work, but you should always remind yourself that you’re doing it because you want to do it, and you should allow yourself the reward of enjoying the process,” says Nik.

“Before you begin your direct examination or before you answer an objection, take a breath and you’ll be surprised at how much you know and how prepared you are,” Mary adds. “Nerves and adrenaline are running, but don’t forget to enjoy it at the same time. Soon you’ll be doing this for real. Soak it all up!”