Our Interview With A.J. Bellido de Luna, Assistant Dean for Advocacy and Conflict Resolution Programs and Hardy Law Professor at St. Mary’s University School of Law

‍Juris Education interviewed A.J. Bellido de Luna, Assistant Dean for Advocacy and Conflict Resolution Programs and Hardy Law Professor at St. Mary’s University School of Law, for an exclusive look at what sets the school's Trial Advocacy Program apart.

What makes the Trial Advocacy program at St. Mary’s School of Law stand out from the competition?

The Trial Advocacy program at the St. Mary’s University School of Law distinguishes itself through a combination of national recognition, hands-on training and a culture of excellence. The program has been consistently ranked among the very best in the nation, even tying for the No. 1 one spot in the American Bar Association’s rankings for advocacy programs. This is no small feat; the ranking reflects years of success in regional, national, and international competitions across multiple categories, including trial advocacy, moot court, negotiation, and mediation.

St. Mary’s Law is one of only a few schools that excels across all these platforms. Beyond accolades, the program provides students with exceptional experiential opportunities. Students train in state-of-the-art courtrooms, work closely with experienced faculty and coaches, and undergo rigorous preparation through trial boot camps and internal competitions. These resources ensure that graduates are not just knowledgeable about courtroom procedures, but are comfortable and confident advocates.

The program’s strong institutional support, combined with its proven record of success, allows students to compete with the very best, setting St. Mary’s Law apart from its peers.

Which qualities can students build during the Trial Advocacy program at St. Mary’s School of Law?

Students who participate in St. Mary’s Law’s Trial Advocacy program develop a wide range of professional and personal qualities that serve them well beyond law school. One of the most significant skills is persuasive oral communication, gained through repeated practice in openings, closings and examinations. Students also refine their ability to analyze facts and apply evidentiary rules, learning to make and argue objections with precision.

Equally important, the program sharpens adaptability because mock trials and competitions often introduce unexpected developments, and students must learn to think quickly under pressure. Collaboration is another cornerstone, as trial teams work in pairs or groups, requiring students to practice teamwork, leadership, and shared responsibility. Confidence and professional presence grow naturally through courtroom simulations, as students become accustomed to speaking before judges and juries.

The program also builds strong ethical foundations and an understanding of courtroom decorum, ensuring students learn not only how to win but how to advocate with professionalism. Altogether, students leave the program with the confidence, skill set, and character to succeed as effective advocates in real-world practice.

For more information on St. Mary’s University School of Law's Trial Advocacy Program, visit https://law.stmarytx.edu/academics/special-programs/advocacy-programs/.

For information about St. Mary’s University School of Law, visit https://law.stmarytx.edu/. 

Juris Education is proud to interview experts at the nation's most renowned law schools for insights on what makes their programs unique and how they shape career-ready law students.