(Philadelphia) – Attorney Steven B. Patton of McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis coached two Villanova University teams that finished as semifinalists in the recent Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) National Trial Competition (NTC). Patton is director of Villanova’s national trial team and an adjunct professor at the school.
Mock trial is a competitive activity where students assume the roles of attorneys and argue a case. It teaches students the art of debating, strengthens their critical thinking skills, and provides public speaking experience.
The TYLA competition annually attracts teams from more than 140 law schools across the country and 1,000+ law students. This year, the competition was held over several weekends in February 2023. The Philadelphia region segment of the NTC was coordinated by Patton with Drexel Law School’s trial team coach, attorney Philip M. Pasquarello. Local participants included a number of Pennsylvania and New Jersey law schools and over 100 criminal and civil litigators who served as judges, which included McMonagle Perri partner Brian J. McMonagle. This year’s event was the first held in-person since before the COVID pandemic.
Patton’s team members from Villanova included Dan Goldfield, Griffith Hawk, Elizabeth Land and Margot Weitz. The students tried a negligence case in front of panels of judges and attorneys from Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
“They were focused, thorough, and professional,” said Patton. “They presented a cohesive theory of the case and effectively countered their opponent’s arguments during rebuttal. I am so proud of their efforts, and I am excited for the promising future each of these students has in the field of law.”
Patton as coach brings extensive experience in litigation. At McMonagle Perri, he litigates personal injury and criminal defense matters. He joined the firm from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where he was the youngest prosecutor ever to be appointed to the Homicide Unit. There, he prosecuted cases ranging from manslaughter to first degree murder. In the Homicide Unit, he also oversaw the investigation, charging, and prosecution of all vehicular homicide cases in Philadelphia.
The National Trial Competition (NTC) was established in 1975 to encourage and strengthen students’ advocacy skills through quality competition and valuable interaction with members of the bench and bar. The program is co-sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) and is designed to expose law students to the nature of trial practice and to serve as a supplement to their education. It is the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) intent to provide a meaningful contribution to the development of future trial lawyers.
Formed in 1995, McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis is a nationally known criminal defense, personal injury and family law firm based in Philadelphia. The firm consistently litigates high profile cases resulting in acquittals and/or million-dollar awards/settlements. Practice areas include criminal defense, medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury, family law/divorce, auto/car accidents, defective products, workplace accidents and truck accidents. For more information, visit www.mpmpc.com or call (215) 981-0999.