February 5 – 7, 2027
(Friday-Sunday)
Judge Daniel T. K. Hurley Courthouse
West Palm BeachFor over 40 year the Trial Lawyers Section annually conducts the prestigious Chester Bedell Mock Trial Competition for mock trial teams from Florida’s accredited law schools. Each school is invited to send two teams to the competition, which is held over three days and culminates with the final round presided over by a distinguished Federal or State Court judge.
The Chester Bedell Mock Trial Competition demonstrates a commitment by the Trial Lawyers Section to promote trial skills and courtroom advocacy in Florida. Those directly involved with this event continue to be impressed with the level of completion, and the skills of the law students competing.
Quick Links
List of Winners
2025: St. Thomas University: Ken Racicot, Erica Torres, Alyssa Fleischer, Megan De Guzman; Coaches: Houson Lafrance, Gabriela Espaillat, Michael Rizo, Vanessa Guiracoche, Valentina Grizales
2024: St. Thomas University: Michael Rizzo, Vanessa Guiracoche, Valentina Grisales, and Alyssa Levy; Coaches: Houson Lafrance, Jeff James, Melissa Respeto, Katerine López, and Gabriela Matos
2023: St. Thomas University: Conor Sloan, Valentina Grizales, Vanessa Guiracoche, and Michael Rizzo; Coaches: Houson Lafrance, Gabriela Espaillat, Katerine López, and Melissa Respeto
2022: Florida International University: Victoria Thacker, Forrest J. Wilson, Christopher C. Chillingworth, Alexander A. Pollock.
2021: Stetson University: Lauren Cleveland, Hilary Hazeltine, Tyler Hillier, Bryan Lawlor, Jasmine Mattear, Alicia Roddenberg, Samantha Simmons, Magner Tiuso
2020: Stetson University: Megan Tiralosi, Rachel Wise, Drew Trautman, Amy Trentalange
2019: Stetson University: Grace Samarkos, Lamark McGreen, Magan Tiralosi and Elise Engle
2018: University of Florida: Conor Milo, Natasha Moghadam, David Sutton, and Allie Watson
2017: Stetson University : Colby Connell, Kaitlyn Dugas, Joe Sise, Skylar Stewart
2016: Florida International University: Jaclyn Broudy, Michelle Deeb, Elroy John, Arvind Singh, Gemma Torcivia
2015: Barry University: Luis Herrera, James Smeriglio III, William Sepulveda, Nikki Metzgar-Schall, Jackson Lubin
2014: Stetson University: Stanton Fears, Megan A. Fernandez, Victoria San Pedro, R. Rockwell Seay Sr.
2013: Stetson University : Claudette Goyanes Fornuto, Diego F. Novaes, Adriane F. Ovcharenko, Brandon Blake
2012: Stetson University : Morgan Anderson, Julian Catala, Kristin S. Johnson, Jared T. Williams
2011: St. Thomas University: Bill McHugh, Bryan Paschal, Lincoln Atten, Joey McCall, Jennifer Pena
2010: University of Florida: Dana Disano, Robert Hogan, Kevin Sharbaugh, Melissa Welsh
2009: Stetson University : Jamie Grant, Christian Radley, Katelyn Knaak, George Root
2008: University of Miami: Jocelyn S. Brown, Sarah B. King, Christopher M. Lomax, Jonathan Weiss
2007: Stetson University: Johanna Castellon, Matt Easterwood, Anthony Wilson, Rachel Wood
2006: Stetson University: Arturo Rios, Angie Torrents, Senovia Lance, Ruel Smith
2005: University of Florida: Chris King, Paul Vicary, Najan Gibson, Greg Edwards2004: Stetson University : Scott Slater, Joel Elsea, Gabrielle Osborne, Jason Turner
2003: University of Florida:Bradley Harper, Shawntoyia Grier, Yolanda Green, Yohance Pettis
2002: University of Florida: Paula Ferres, Fermin Lopez, Anthony Sos, Betty Toussaint
2001: University of Florida: Harley Brook, Natasha Mayne, Natasha Thomas, Betty Toussaint
2000: Stetson University: Kim Dunn, Daniel S. Green, Mariela Llanez, Chinwe Okpechi
1999: Florida State University: Gladys Ayala, Earnest DeLoach Jr., Francisco Touron, Ginger Barry, Jimmy Price
1998: Florida State University: Scott Danahy, Earnest DeLoach Jr., Yulanda Dortch, Lisa Hurley, Gladys Ayala
1997: Stetson University College of Law: Chasity Brooks, Gregory Huber, Tiffany Koogler
1996: Stetson University College of Law: Lee Coppock, Tiffany Koogler, Jason Recksiedler
1995: Stetson University College of Law: Thomas Harmon, Julie Fox, Kenneth Gerber
1994: University of Florida: Elizabeth McCosky, Paul McLester
1993: Stetson University College of Law: Jaime Eagan, Jennifer Gentry, Michael Rachel
1992: Stetson University College of Law: Grady C. Irvin Jr., Earl M. Johnson, Patrick L. Real
1991: Stetson University College of Law: Grady C. Irvin Jr., Amy L. Koltnow, Adam R. Littman
1990: Stetson University College of Law: Marie L. DeMarco, Douglas T. Noah, Jennifer S. Eden
1989: Stetson University College of Law: Carol McMurry, Charles Samarkos
1988: Stetson University College of Law: Carol McMurry, Charles Samarkos
1987: Stetson University College of Law: Lawrence J. Najem, Brent Rose
1986: Stetson University College of Law: John Higgins, Stephen Hurm, Carl B. Lyle
1985: Stetson University College of Law: Carol Engel Draper, Stephen Hurm
1984: Florida State University: Peter Kramer, Jeff Lewis
1983: Stetson University College of Law: Randy Brennan, Thomas DeCarlo, Mirella Murphy-
