The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Trial Advocacy Program achieved notable results this fall, securing top placements at two sports law competitions hosted by Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. The teams participated in the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition and the inaugural Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition, where students demonstrated negotiation and advocacy skills in simulated professional sports scenarios.
Pace Haub Law entered two teams in the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition. One team, made up of Madeline Law (3L) and Stephen Smith (3L), finished third. The other team, consisting of Brendan McDonough (2L) and Jonathan Riina (2L), took first place. Both groups were coached by alumnus Dan Masi ’14, who has a longstanding history with the program as both a coach and former participant. The school also won first place at this competition in 2024.
The Baseball Filing Day event is designed to simulate negotiations between MLB Players Association agents and MLB club executives before salary arbitration deadlines. “Both of our teams impressed judges who all have a connection to the baseball industry – ranging from player agents, team officials, practicing attorneys, and more,” said Coach Dan Masi ‘14. “Our advocacy teams have made a name for themselves in this competition and marks yet another significant achievement for our trial advocacy program. I am proud of all our competitors for showcasing their negotiation tactics ultimately resulting in a first and third place finish.”
In the first-ever Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition, Pace Haub Law was represented by Madeline Law (3L), Brendan McDonough (2L), and Brian Maher-Gurniak (2L). Under Coach Marc Bisogno ’25, they secured first place. “Since this is the first year that this Competition was held, we were not entirely sure what to expect,” said Madeline Law (3L). “However, with the support and guidance of our team coach, Marc Bisogno ’25, we felt well prepared. We worked as a team over the course of the last couple of months to prepare for many competition scenarios.”
Coach Marc Bisogno ‘25 added: “Our team demonstrated exceptional teamwork, creativity, and professionalism in navigating complex multi-party negotiations. I am proud of their dedication and ability to successfully strategize and ultimately win this inaugural competition.” The hockey event challenged participants with negotiation scenarios common in sports management such as front office partnerships and stadium naming rights deals; winners were selected by judges from within the hockey industry.
“These remarkable results underscore the strength of Pace Haub Law’s advocacy curriculum and the dedication of its students and alumni coaches,” said Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice Louis Fasulo. “Through simulated real-world experiences like these, Pace Haub Law students refine their ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and negotiate effectively, which are all skills that will serve them throughout their legal careers.”
Students involved in Pace’s Trial Advocacy Program also take on leadership roles within its organization. This year Madeline Law serves as Alternative Dispute Resolution Director—a position previously held by her coach Marc Bisogno—where she supports student teams preparing for competitions. She commented on her experience: “I feel fortunate to serve in this role… As Director, I regularly check in with team members to provide resources, advice, and support… Directors also help manage team dynamics and logistics…” She added that holding an executive role has deepened her understanding of each competition’s demands: “Empowering students to serve in these executive roles is one of the many ways Pace Haub Law’s Trial Advocacy Program prepares its students to graduate confident, capable, and ready to practice.”
