Preeminent Litigator Roy L. Reardon '54, '00HON Brings Real World Appellate Advocacy Experience to the Classroom

Students in St. John’s Law advocacy programs learn both the theory and practice of effective litigation. Second-year students in the Moot Court Honor Society take a dedicated class on Appellate Advocacy taught by Associate Academic Dean Larry Cunningham and Adjunct Professor Marilyn Filingeri ‘06, both former appellate litigators.

On November 14, 2013, Roy L. Reardon ’54, ‘00HON, a partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, came to St. John’s to conduct a "master class" for Dean Cunningham’s and Professor Filingeri’s students on effective appellate advocacy. An accomplished trial and appellate litigator, Reardon has argued before the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals, the New York Court of Appeals, and the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division.  He also co-writes the “New York Court of Appeals Roundup,” a monthly column in the New York Law Journal.  

Reardon discussed his strategy and approach to handling appeals. He spoke about his successful appeal on behalf of golfer Casey Martin in PGA Tour, Inc. v. Martin, in which the Supreme Court held that the PGA Tour was required to provide Martin with reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Roy Reardon’s visit with the Moot Court Honor Society students was both educational and inspiring,” said Dean Cunningham. “His lessons on strategy, brief writing, and oral argument are ones that the students will cherish for the rest of their careers.” David Hommel ’14, Executive Director of the Moot Court Honor Society, added: "Mr. Reardon provided tremendous insight into what it takes to be an outstanding advocate. It was very meaningful to receive guidance from such a distinguished practitioner and dedicated St. John’s Law alumni. We honor Mr. Reardon every spring at the Roy L. Reardon Moot Court Competition for our best 2L advocates. It will be especially rewarding to see his advice in action this year.”