A team of first-year law students from Catholic Law achieved third place at the National Phi Alpha Delta (P.A.D.) Law School Mock Trial Competition, which took place in Arlington, Virginia, from February 26 to 28, 2026. The team members—Marta Fernández, David Bilotto, Will Mather, and Cecily Hudson—acted as both attorneys and witnesses during the event. This marks the first time that Catholic Law’s chapter has placed in this competition.
Marta Fernández commented on the team’s achievement: “After three months of preparing, we competed as both attorneys and witnesses, advanced to the semifinals, and brought home third place overall — the first time our school’s chapter has placed. I could not be prouder of my bench mates, David Bilotto, Will Mather, Cecily Hudson, and thank you to our amazing coach Amy Trivison ’25 for supporting and guiding us through these three months.”
The annual P.A.D. Law School Mock Trial Competition provides law students with practical experience in trial advocacy within a courtroom environment. Participants develop skills such as problem solving, collaboration, argumentation, public speaking, critical thinking, and adaptability. The event is considered an important step for students as they prepare for legal careers.
