Boston College Law School Magazine | Down to the Wire
Annual Mock Trial Competition Was a Close One
By Staniel Brutis ’26 | November 5, 2025
“Mock trials may not involve real facts, but they involve the use of real skills. And in the hands of skillful advocates, those fake facts come alive. They evoke real emotions.”
Assistant Clinical Professor Steven Van Dyke ’08, who supervised the competition, reflected on the event during the final round of the Boston College Law School 2025 Mock Trial Competition on October 16. He described the students as “alchemists,” transforming a fictional case into a compelling courtroom drama that felt deeply authentic.
The Case: Denning v. Zeta Lambda Nu Fraternity
The trial focused on a tragic accident at a University of Lone Star fraternity party. Kay Denning, a 20-year-old student, died after diving into a shallow makeshift pool. Her mother, Victoria Denning, brought a lawsuit against the fraternity, alleging negligence and reckless behavior.
The defense countered, denying any liability by arguing that the incident was unforeseeable and that the fraternity treasurer acted beyond their authority.
Advocates and Arguments
The plaintiff's counsel, Andrew Ordentlich ’26 and Katie Queally ’26, pushed the jury to recognize a pattern of negligence. They carefully constructed a narrative linking carelessness to the tragic loss, aiming to show the fraternity’s responsibility clearly.
“The students were like ‘alchemists,’ turning a fictional case into a riveting courtroom drama that felt every bit as real as life itself.”
This competition not only tested the students' legal skills but brought to life how powerful advocacy can be, even with imagined facts.
Author's summary: The 2025 Boston College Law School Mock Trial showcased student advocates skillfully transforming a fictional tragedy into a vivid courtroom drama, highlighting their legal expertise and storytelling ability.