Catholic Middle School Students Explore Trial Advocacy at St. John’s Law

On May 9, 2026, St. John’s Law welcomed nearly 200 students from across Long Island for the annual Catholic Middle School Mock Trial Program. Designed to build hands-on experience in advocacy, public speaking, and the legal system, the longtime initiative is supported by the Law School’s Frank S. Polestino Trial Advocacy Institute (PTAI), whose student leaders helped organize and judge the trials that culminate the Program.

Co-sponsored by St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope Regional School on Long Island, this year’s Program involved middle school students from nine different local Catholic schools. Students spent weeks preparing a civil case centered on claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress arising from in-school and online bullying before presenting their arguments in simulated courtroom settings. Serving as trial judges throughout the day, PTAI members offered participants a meaningful introduction to courtroom advocacy and procedure.

"It's wonderful to see the confidence these students develop through the program," says St. John's Law Professor Michael A. Simons, who has led the Program since 2006 and also serves as the faculty advisor to the St. John’s Law Mock Trial Team. "This Program gives students an opportunity to develop critical-thinking and public-speaking skills at an early age."

Reflecting on the Program’s impact, outgoing PTAI Executive Director Levi Griesing '26 says, "Watching these students challenge themselves, gain confidence, and enjoy the advocacy process is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved with PTAI."

PTAI member Gabriela Seguinot ‘27 also valued the opportunity to participate in the Program. "The students brought so much energy and preparation into the courtroom," she shares. "Being able to engage with the community and watch students advocate so well made this an unforgettable experience."

This year’s Middle School Mock Trial Program was generously supported by Duffy & Duffy, the Long Island law firm led by Law School alumnus Michael Duffy ’94, which has endowed the event for many years.