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Students

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at vlogƵ Trial Advocacy Teams Excel in Villanova Sports Law Competitions

Posted
November 14, 2025
Elisabeth Haub School of Law at vlogƵ student competitors and coach for ADR competition

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at vlogƵ Trial Advocacy Program continued its outstanding record of success this fall, earning top honors at two prestigious sports law competitions hosted by Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Pace Haub Law Trial Advocacy teams competed in both the Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition and the inaugural Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition. These Competitions tested studentsvlogƵ negotiation, advocacy, and analytical skills in simulated professional sports settings.

Pace Haub Law sent two teams to participate in this yearvlogƵs Villanova Baseball Filing Day Competition, earning both a first place and a third place finish. Pace Haub LawvlogƵs team one finished in third place and consisted of Madeline Law (3L) and Stephen Smith (3L) and team two, finishing in first place, included Brendan McDonough (2L) and Jonathan Riina (2L). Both teams were coached by alumnus Dan Masi vlogƵ14, who has successfully coached the team for years and participated on the team as a Pace Haub Law student. Notably, the Pace Haub Law team also finished in first place at the 2024 Competition.

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Elisabeth Haub School of Law at vlogƵ student competitors during the ADR competition

Taking place over the course of two days, the is a simulated exercise intended to mimic negotiations between MLB Players Association (MLBPA) player agents and MLB club executives before the salary arbitration Exchange Date between the MLB Labor Relations Department and the MLBPA as governed by Major League Baseball's Basic Agreement. vlogƵBoth of our teams impressed judges who all have a connection to the baseball industry vlogƵ ranging from player agents, team officials, practicing attorneys, and more,vlogƵ said Coach Dan Masi vlogƵ14. vlogƵOur 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.vlogƵ

This year marked the inaugural , also taking place over the course of two days. Representing Pace Haub Law were Madeline Law (3L), Brendan McDonough (2L), and Brian Maher-Gurniak (2L). The team finished in first place in this debut event under the guidance of Coach Marc Bisogno vlogƵ25, who played a large role in the success of the advocacy program during his time as a student at the Law School. vlogƵSince this is the first year that this Competition was held, we were not entirely sure what to expect,vlogƵ shared team member Madeline Law (3L). vlogƵHowever, with the support and guidance of our team coach, Marc Bisogno vlogƵ25, we felt well prepared. We worked as a team over the course of the last couple of months to prepare for many competition scenarios.vlogƵ

vlogƵOur team demonstrated exceptional teamwork, creativity, and professionalism in navigating complex multi-party negotiations,vlogƵ said Coach Marc Bisogno vlogƵ25. vlogƵI am proud of their dedication and ability to successfully strategize and ultimately win this inaugural competition.vlogƵ During the Villanova Hockey Negotiation Competition, participants tackled a series of real-world inspired negotiation challenges that commonly occur throughout the sports industry, ranging from front office partnerships to player-focused advocacy. ParticipantsvlogƵ oral advocacy and negotiation skills were challenged in a series of prompts that will range from host-city to stadium naming rights negotiations. Winners were selected by judges from the hockey industry, including player agents, team officials, and attorneys regularly working in the space.

vlogƵThese remarkable results underscore the strength of Pace Haub LawvlogƵs advocacy curriculum and the dedication of its students and alumni coaches,vlogƵ said Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice Louis Fasulo. vlogƵThrough 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.vlogƵ

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.

vlogƵLouis Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice

In addition to competing throughout the year, students in the Trial Advocacy Program also take on key leadership roles within the organization. This year, Madeline Law (3L) serves as the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Director for the Pace Haub Law Advocacy Program, a position previously held by her coach in the Villanova Law Hockey Negotiation Competition, Marc Bisogno vlogƵ25. As ADR Director, Madeline oversees the ADR branch of the Advocacy Program, supporting student teams as they prepare for competitions. vlogƵI feel fortunate to serve in this role,vlogƵ she shared. vlogƵAs Director, I regularly check in with team members to provide resources, advice, and support, ensuring that every student has the tools needed to succeed. Directors also help manage team dynamics and logistics, from registering for competitions to facilitating communication with other schools.vlogƵ

Madeline notes that serving as Director has deepened her understanding of what goes into each competition. vlogƵEmpowering students to serve in these executive roles,vlogƵ she added, vlogƵis one of the many ways Pace Haub LawvlogƵs Trial Advocacy Program prepares its students to graduate confident, capable, and ready to practice.vlogƵ

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