Barry Law Advances to Finals of E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition
While Barry Law's national championship team was competing in Michigan, two additional teams represented the law school at the 30th Annual Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition, hosted by the Florida Justice Association (FJA) from November 6–8, 2026, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.
The annual competition brings together law students from across Florida to demonstrate their trial advocacy abilities before experienced attorneys and judges, providing students with opportunities to sharpen their courtroom skills and gain practical litigation experience.
One Barry Law team, consisting of Derline Desjardins, Brady Clark, Elijah Leon, and Samantha Rivera Santiago, advanced through the competition with victories over Florida State University and the University of Miami before reaching the championship round against defending champion St. Thomas University College of Law.
The finalist team was coached by Charles “Charlie” Metzger, Grace Sadoff, and Austin Newell, all Barry Law alumni and former members of the law school's Trial Team. With just four weeks to prepare for the competition, the team benefited from the dedication of its coaches, who invested significant time in preparing the students for competition. Desjardins credited their commitment as instrumental to the team's success. Desjardins and Clark secured the team's place in the championship round with a semifinal victory over the University of Miami, setting up a closely contested final against defending champion St. Thomas University College of Law.
The final round was presided over by the Honorable Judge Cohen, Chief Judge of Florida's Fifth District Court of Appeal. In a closely contested championship round, Barry Law narrowly missed capturing the title, finishing as a competition finalist.
The team's accomplishment was particularly noteworthy given that Elijah Leon and Samantha Rivera Santiago were competing for the first time. Despite their limited competitive experience, both contributed to the team's impressive run to the championship round.
Leon also earned nominations for Best Advocate and Best Witness, becoming the only competitor in the statewide competition to receive nominations in both categories. Although he did not ultimately receive either award, the dual recognition highlighted his versatility and outstanding performance throughout the competition.
A second Barry Law team, consisting of Payton Yates, Haiden Humphrey, Presley Pomneranc, and Chloe Rogenus, also represented the law school in the competition. Although the team did not advance beyond the preliminary rounds, its members gained valuable competitive experience while contributing to Barry Law's strong presence at the statewide event.
A Tradition of Advocacy Excellence and Alumni Mentorship
“These achievements speak to the strength of our advocacy initiatives and the importance we place on preparing students to enter the legal profession with the skills, confidence, and judgment necessary to succeed,” said Barry Law Dean Charles Rose.
“Advocacy is a cornerstone of the legal education we provide at Barry Law, and our students' performances in these competitions reflect the dedication they bring to developing their abilities both inside and outside the classroom,” Dean Rose stated
“It is especially rewarding to see our alumni, who once competed as members of these same teams, return to mentor our students and contribute to the continued success of our programs. Their commitment reinforces the kind of professional community we strive to build, one where students are supported throughout their legal education and remain connected long after graduation.”
Through competitive advocacy, courtroom simulations, and mentorship from practicing attorneys and alumni, Barry Law provides students with opportunities to develop the litigation strategies, critical thinking abilities, and professional confidence essential to the practice of law.
The achievements across both competitions underscore Barry Law's commitment to experiential legal education and the lasting impact of an alumni community that continues to invest in the success of future legal professionals.
For More Information:
Angelo Milone
Associate Dean of Communications, Digital Marketing, and Enrollment Management
Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law
Email: amilone@barry.edu
Phone: 321-206-5722
