Empire Philly Brings 380 Students to City for National Mock Trial Program
The Verdict is in: The 2025 Constitution Classic is a Resounding Success
Philadelphia (PA): Empire Mock Trial has concluded its second annual Empire Philly: The Constitution Classic, a prestigious high school mock trial competition that brought together 380 students from 18 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada. Five schools from Pennsylvania proudly represented the Commonwealth, for a total of 36 school groups.
Across four preliminary trials held at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, students argued both sides of a complex case before panels of judges and scoring jurors. The top two teams advanced to the Championship Round on Monday, September 29, held at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The Finals were presided over by Judge Mia Perez of the U.S. District Court and evaluated by nine distinguished jurors, including President Judge Nina Wright Padilla, recently elected Judge Will Braveman, Judge Pete Jones, and Temple Law’s Professor Elizabeth Lippy.
In a thrilling round, Dos Pueblos High School (California) faced off against the Central Carolina Homeschoolers (North Carolina). At the conclusion of the round, Judge Perez made the dramatic announcement:
“Your 2025 Empire Philadelphia Champion is… Dos Pueblos High School!”
And with that, Dos Pueblos had completed the improbable: they had defended their title, becoming the back-to-back Empire Philly Champion.
Pennsylvania Students Shine
Local students earned impressive accolades at the competition:
J.P. McCaskey High School (Lancaster) placed 6th overall, while Central Bucks South High School finished 10th.
Two of the top 10 attorneys came from Philadelphia: Stella Leuzzi (Central High School) and Tagaire Norris (St. Joseph’s Preparatory).
J.P. McCaskey’s Josie Cotson earned an Outstanding Witness Award, and Nozima Sultonova (Central Bucks South) received an honorable mention.
Ceremonies Bookend the Weekend
The program featured an inspiring Opening Ceremony at the Franklin Institute with Michael Griffin serving as its keynote speaker. Griffin, a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and South Jersey native, shared how mock trial profoundly shaped his own life.
Griffin also spoke to students about the enduring importance of the First Amendment—the subject matter of this year’s mock trial case:
“...it is up to all of us to defend freedom of speech every day, not just in the courtroom, but in the classroom, in the living room, in the chat room, on social media, day in and day out,” remarked Griffin.
“We need to stand up for the rights that we have, or we won't have them anymore.”
Griffin concluded his remarks with words that reverberated throughout the Franklin Institute:
“Go Birds!”
Community Support Makes Empire Philly Possible
The success of the Constitution Classic was made possible by an extraordinary partnership between Philadelphia’s legal institutions and the broader Empire community:
The Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice generously hosted the preliminary trials. Empire thanks President Judge Nina Wright Padilla, Maria Pugliese, Richard McSorley, Nina Moore, Kevin McGovern, and Kevin McDevitt for their support. President Judge Nina Wright Padilla even presided over two mock trials, later remarking:
“Thank YOU, for presenting such a well-organized, thoughtful Mock Trial. The participants were very capable and equal to counsel appearing before me. It was a pleasure to participate.”The Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Pro Bono Division provided vital assistance. David Trevaskis, Head of the Pro Bono Division and Co-Chair of the Empire Philly Advisory Board, praised the event:
“I have been involved in high school mock trial competitions since 1985 and I have never seen a better-run program than the Empire Classic this past weekend in Philadelphia.”The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Judge Mark A. Kearney was kind enough to permit Empire to utilize the Court for its Championship Round and Kristin Makely (Supervisor, Court Services) and Patrick Mountney (Judicial Assistant, Judge Perez) were instrumental on the day of the event.
Volunteers traveled from seven states (including Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin) to support the event. Empire is so grateful to its Empire Family for their continued of its students.
Volunteerism from the legal community. Each round was evaluated by a legal professional serving as a presiding judge and two scoring jurors. In total, 138 judges, attorneys, and law students volunteered, including 17 sitting judges from multiple jurisdictions:
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas: President Judge Nina Wright Padilla, Judge Elvin Ross, Judge James Crumlish III, Judge Giovanni Campbell, Judge Wendi Barish, Judge Genece Brinkley
U.S. District Court: Judge Mia Perez (Eastern District of Pennsylvania), Judge Karen Williams (District of New Jersey), Judge Maryellen Noreika (District of Delaware)
Philadelphia Municipal Court: Judge Charles Hayden, Judge Joffie Pittman, Judge Charles Ehrlich
Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court: Judge Lee Grimes
Montgomery County Court: Judge Garrett Page
Delaware Superior Court: Judge Pete Jones
U.S. Court of Appeals (Third Circuit): Judge Theodore McKee
About Empire Mock Trial
Founded in 2007, Empire Mock Trial is a nonprofit dedicated to educating, connecting, and empowering high school students to be more compassionate and capable citizens. Since its founding, the organization has served more than 15,000 students from 38 states and 7 countries, instilling values such as civil discourse, respectful advocacy, and a commitment to the rule of law.
Empire Philly is presented in partnership with the Empire Philadelphia Advisory Board. Judge L. Felipe Restrepo of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit serves as the Board’s Honorary Chair.
Looking Ahead: 20th Anniversary Season
Next year, Empire Mock Trial will celebrate its 20th anniversary season—and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding—back in Philadelphia. The 2026 Constitution Classic is expected to move to mid-October, with dates to be finalized soon.
“We hope you’ll join us in Philadelphia for this milestone season,” said Director of Operations Emily Shapiro.
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Media Contact
Emily Shapiro
emily@empiremocktrial.org
904-716-6469