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Competition was intense at the 37th Annual Chester Bedell Mock Trial Competition hosted by the Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar. For three days this January, sixteen teams from eight law schools across the State of Florida argued their cases under trial conditions.

For the 24th time in the history of the Competition, Students from Stetson University College of Law took home the first-place trophy with the team from Barry University College of Law finishing second.

Stetson’s winning team was composed of Megan Tiralosi, Rachel Wise, Drew Trautman, and Amy Trentalange. Schenerazade Guzzo and Austin Auletta served as counsel for Barry in the final round, which was held in the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Tampa, Florida.

Megan Tiralosi from Stetson University College of Law was named as this year’s “Best Advocate.”

In addition to Stetson and Barry, University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida International University, Florida A&M University, Florida Coastal University, and St. Thomas University Colleges of Law fielded impressive teams in this prestigious annual event that helps students develop the skills needed for trial practice after graduation.

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.

The Trial Lawyers Section of The Florida Bar was established in 1967. The Section has over 5,300 members with membership open to any attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar who shares a common interest in trial advocacy before the courts.