From L to R and Back to Front: David Bilotto, Marta Fernández, Will Mather, and Cecily Hudson

After three months of steady preparation, a team of first-year law students from Catholic Law participated in the National Phi Alpha Delta (P.A.D.) Law School Mock Trial Competition, held from February 26-28, 2026, in Arlington, VA. Competing against 25 other teams, Marta Fernández, David Bilotto, Will Mather, and Cecily Hudson took on roles as both attorneys and witnesses, ultimately advancing to the semifinals and earning third place overall—the first time the university's chapter has placed in this event.

Reflecting on the experience, Marta Fernández shared, "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 Phi Alpha Delta (P.A.D.) Law School Mock Trial Competition offers law students a valuable opportunity to practice trial advocacy in a real courtroom setting. Through this event, participants build essential skills in creative problem solving, effective collaboration, persuasive argumentation, public speaking, critical thinking, and thinking on their feet. The competition serves as a cornerstone experience, helping future lawyers grow in confidence and professionalism as they prepare for careers in the legal field.