Boston College Law School’s National Mock Trial team has qualified for the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s National Mock Trial Competition. The regional rounds, hosted at the Woburn Superior Court in early February, consisted of multiple rounds of simulated trials where law students showcased their ability to speak to juries, cross-examine witnesses, and present comprehensive cases.
Each year, the competition presents a fictional fact pattern designed to challenge aspiring trial attorneys. This year, among many challenges, the Law School team navigated a case where children were irrevocably injured based on a father’s alleged deficient driving.
The BC Law team, composed of Bennett Demsky ’27 and Caleb Brady ’25, impressed judges through long rounds against 11 participating law schools from throughout New England. In addition to the team’s regional championship, Demsky was named one of two “best advocates” throughout the entire competition.
Steve Van Dyke ’08, who co-coaches the team with Julie Buszuwski, recounted that the BC Law team’s victory “was the result of the explosively creative collaboration between all of Boston College Law School’s trial team members.” That group included Noah DeRossi ’25, Sarah Kaplan ’26, Melanie Sztulman ’26, Sage Wenninghoff ’27, and Hannah Phillips ’27.
Kaplan and Sztulman, along with Noah DeRossi ’25, also competed for BC Law during the regionals. The team won the majority of their ballots and provided ongoing support for Demsky and Brady throughout the weekend. Both Law School teams received among the highest scores for professionalism and collegiality as judged by opposing teams.
Van Dyke pointed out another accomplishment. Jessica Parillo ’25, together with Phillips and Buszuwski, helped to organize the event, which marked the competition’s 50th anniversary. BC Law and New England Law were the co-hosts.
Demsky and Brady will compete in Houston, Texas, this April at the National Competition.