Steve Patton Guides Local High School Mock Trial Team to First Place Win

Steve Patton instructs the Roman Catholic mock trial team

(Philadelphia) – Attorney Steven B. Patton of McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis guided the mock trial team of Roman Catholic High School to a first-place victory recently at the 9th annual Benjamin Franklin Invitational Mock Trial tournament at the University of Pennsylvania. Patton, a Roman alumnus, has coached the team – one of the largest in the state — for the past 12 years.

Mock trial is a competitive activity where students assume the roles of attorneys and argue a case provided by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Mock trial teaches students the art of debating, strengthens their critical thinking skills and provides public speaking experience. In this tournament, the Roman Catholic team competed against over 50 elite high school teams, which was judged by practicing attorneys and Penn Law students. There were four trials split between two days.

“The students did an amazing job,” said Patton. “Because of their hard work and extensive preparation, they were able to prevail in a highly competitive setting, earning not only a tournament victory but valuable skills to help them succeed in the future.”

Patton as coach brings an extensive experience in litigation to the Roman Catholic team. At McMonagle Perri, he focuses his practice on the litigation of 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.

Patton is also an adjunct professor at Villanova University School of Law where he instructs law students in trial advocacy and evidence as the Director of the National Trial Team.

 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.