The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Trial Advocacy Program has advanced to the spring playoffs in the National Trial League (NTL) after finishing among the top four teams during the fall semester. The team, which is the reigning NTL champion, competed in seven rounds throughout the season.
This year’s team consists of Skyler Pozo, Maiya Aubry, Alexa Saccomanno, James Page, Marina Di Leo, Olivia Haemmerle, Natalia Garcia Perez, Samantha Diaz—all third-year law students—and Karolina Zimny, a second-year student. They are coached by alumni Joseph Demonte, Matthew Mattesi, and Liam Rattigan.
“I am so proud to be part of this NTL team,” said Skyler Pozo, who also serves as Chair Executive Director of the Advocacy Program. “From August through November, we have put in countless hours preparing for each competition round. Last year, I was grateful to have been chosen to compete in the playoffs as a 2L and it is very rewarding for our hard work to pay off and make the playoffs again this year. Our coaches have dedicated a tremendous amount of time ensuring we are prepared for each round and we could not have had such a strong finish without their guidance.”
The National Trial League is an online trial competition involving 14 teams divided into two conferences. Teams compete across multiple rounds between August and November. Advancement is based on win-loss record and point differential rather than single-elimination brackets. The top four teams move on to spring playoffs that use a round-robin semifinal format; two advance to compete for the championship title while two vie for third place.
Several Pace Haub Law competitors received individual honors during regular season rounds: Skyler Pozo was named Best Advocate in Rounds 2 and 5; James Page received Best Advocate in Round 1; Marina Di Leo earned Best Advocate in Round 4; Samantha Diaz was recognized as Best Advocate in Round 6.
Director of Advocacy Programs Louis Fasulo commented on the achievement: “I am beyond proud of the hard work our NTL team has demonstrated over the last four plus months. The success of the Pace Haub Law team during the regular season, along with their coaches, shows their ongoing commitment to success coupled with their outstanding advocacy skills. I look forward to seeing them compete in the spring playoff rounds.”
