The Denis F. McLaughlin Advanced Trial Advocacy Workshop concluded on January 23, 2026, with eight mock trials held before United States District Court Judges in Newark. The event involved Seton Hall Law students, faculty, federal judges, and nearly 30 undergraduate students who participated as jurors. The workshop is funded by O’Toole Scrivo, a law firm established by alumni Kevin O’Toole and Thomas P. Scrivo.
The intensive three-week course is led by Professor Denis McLaughlin along with Professor Jacob Elberg and Professor Jamie Pukl-Werbel. It aims to give law students practical experience in trial advocacy through simulated trials at the end of the program. This year’s event featured eight federal judges from the District of New Jersey: Jessica S. Allen, José R. Almonte, Madeline Cox Arleo, Tonianne J. Bongiovanni, James B. Clark III, André M. Espinosa, Brian R. Martinotti, and Michael A. Shipp.
Undergraduate jurors were prepared for their roles through an orientation session that covered jury service responsibilities and effective deliberation practices. These undergraduates were selected in partnership with the Pre-Professional Advising Center and pre-law advisor Madelyn Ferrans.
After the mock trials concluded, undergraduate participants met with both judges and student attorneys to discuss their experiences and receive feedback about jury deliberations and legal practice.
Ayden Hepp, a dual degree pre-law student at Stillman School for Business, said: “The opportunity to act as a juror in a real courthouse with a real judge was surreal. The judge even stopped the trial a few times for educational purposes and shared some of her own real experiences as a judge,” adding: “This was an extremely unique and fun opportunity, one in which I got to learn more about the role of a juror, attorney and judge. I am very grateful for the educational opportunity provided by Seton Hall Law.”
Xiomara Olvera Carrion described her participation: “my experience at the McLaughlin workshop was incredible… afterwards, the law students were more than willing to answer questions and exchange contact info. This was truly such an amazing experience and I loved every bit of it!”
Carlee Cunha also reflected on her involvement: “incredibly eye-opening… you get to see the culmination of law students’ hard work in their program and learn alongside them as they showcase what they have learned… If given the chance, I would absolutely take part again.”
Seton Hall plans to continue offering this experiential learning program in early 2027 through ongoing collaboration between its School of Law, Office of the Provost, and Pre-Professional Advising Center.
