The Yvette Ostolaza Trial Team, comprised of third-year law students Sadye Kaner, Alec August, Kasra Greiner, and Isiah Shechtman, beat the top-ranked trial team in the state, Stetson Law, to advance to the finals of the prestigious Honorable E. Earle Zehmer mock trial competition. Their impressive performance culminated in a first-place victory against Barry University, with standout student Kaner earning the title of Best Advocate in the final round.
“I felt honored,” said Kaner on being named Best Advocate. “There were so many talented law students from so many schools, not to mention the talent on our team alone. I know without a doubt that if our defense team had the opportunity to compete in the final round, Isiah or Kasra would have been named best advocate. I share best advocate with my team.”
The annual Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition was held at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is sponsored by the Florida Justice Association Research and Education Foundation. Over 20 teams competed, with more than 80 students participating. In addition, more than 80 attorneys and paralegals served as scoring jurors. FJA attorney members and local judges presided over the courtrooms.
Miami Law’s trial team was coached by Mason Kerns, J.D. ‘11, and Prya Murad.
“Preparation for the competition was rigorous and comprehensive,” said Shechtman. “We met as a team multiple times each week for the six weeks leading up to the event, ensuring that our strategy, arguments, and presentations were polished. We went beyond just team meetings by engaging in practice trials. These trials were held against real trial attorneys in front of actual judges. This real-world practice was invaluable, allowing us to refine our skills, understand courtroom dynamics better, and adapt to the pressures of actual legal proceedings.”
The Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition brings together students from Florida’s leading law schools, including Florida State University, University of Florida, William and Mary University, University of Miami, Florida International University, Barry University, Nova Southeastern University, Stetson University, and St. Thomas University.
Miami Law’s winning team successfully represented the plaintiff in the final round, securing a 3-2 verdict.
“I immediately felt such pride for our team and coaches,” said Kaner when she heard her team had secured the victory. “We did what we said we were going to do. We manifested it, but we also certainly worked for it. We were so excited to have the validation that our long hours and passion paid off.”
Read more about Miami Law’s moot court organizations.
