St. Thomas University College Of Law Wins 1St Place For Second Year In A Row At The 30Th Annual Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition
The St. Thomas team, Gabriella Martinez, Samantha Swartz, Bernice Machado, and Chase Freeman, represented the defense in the final round against the Barry University School of Law team, securing a 3-2 verdict in their favor. The Honorable Jay Cohen, a senior judge in the Ninth Circuit and the Sixth District Court of Appeal, presided over the final round.
St. Thomas's Gabriella Martinez was recognized as the Final Round Best Advocate for her exceptional advocacy. Earlier in the competition, St. Thomas's Juan Estevez was awarded the Best Advocate for the preliminary rounds. Additionally, Bella Tambornino, of the University of Miami School of Law, was awarded the inaugural Best Witness title.
The Foundation appreciates the law schools that competed this year. Returning schools continue to strengthen the program, and first-time teams brought new energy to the competition's 30th anniversary. Participating law schools included:
- Barry University School of Law Cooley Law School Florida International University College of Law Florida State University College of Law Jacksonville University College of Law Nova Southeastern University College of Law St. Thomas University College of Law University of Miami School of Law
The annual competition would not be possible without the dedication of the attorneys, paralegals, and judges who generously volunteered their time and expertise to share real-time feedback and insights with participating law school students. Additionally, through the leadership of Mock Trial co-chairs, Jamie Holland II of Holland Law and Monica Smyth of Todd E. Copeland& Associates, the competition has continued to grow and attract some of the best and brightest law school students across the southern region.
“For 30 years, mock trial participants have had the opportunity to gain practical courtroom experiences they can't get in a classroom,” said Mock Trial Co-Chair Monica Smyth.“Ultimately, these aspiring attorneys will be better legal advocates, representing their future clients with integrity and compassion.”
The 2026 Honorable E. Earle Zehmer Memorial Mock Trial Competition also received support from dedicated law firms, including Gold Sponsors Fernandez Firm, Pajcic & Pajcic, and Holland Law, and Bronze Sponsor Waddell Law.
Honoring the Legacy of Wayne Hogan and the Honorable Judge E. Earle Zehmer
Thirty years ago, the competition was founded by Jacksonville attorney Wayne Hogan, whose commitment to advancing legal education led him to donate $250,000 to support the mock trial program at his alma mater, Florida State University. Matched by the state's Matching Gift Program, the $375,000 endowment has funded trial competitions, provided student stipends, and supported travel to competitions, emphasizing the importance of hands-on courtroom experience in legal training.
A former president of both the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and the FSU Law Alumni Association, Hogan hoped his contribution would inspire other alumni to give back, particularly as educational budgets continue to tighten. His gift also established the competition in honor of his late mentor, Judge E. Earle Zehmer, former Chief Judge of the First District Court of Appeal. Beyond education, Hogan has long supported access to justice, including decades of support for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and its Mental Health Advocacy Project.
About the Florida Justice Association Research & Education Foundation
The FJA Research & Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding of Florida's civil justice system and its vital role in protecting the rights of all Floridians. Through educational programs, research initiatives, leadership development and law school outreach, the Foundation works to strengthen access to justice, prepare future generations of trial attorneys and promote a fair and impartial judicial system. Learn more at MyFJA.org/Foundation.
FJA Contact:
Kriss Vallese
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Florida Justice Association
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Phone: (850) 521-1054
Event Contact:
Melissa Robbins
Foundation Director of Programs
Florida Justice Association
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Phone: (850) 521-1031
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