Elias R. Hassinger

Marshall Dennehey celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Advanced Trial Advocacy & Mock Trial Program this week, reflecting on an annual event that has become a cornerstone of the firm’s attorney development efforts and a hallmark of its commitment to excellence in courtroom advocacy.

Launched in 2000, the in-house program was founded by retired firm leader, Christopher Dougherty, who was inspired by his military-based trial training experience as a Marine Corps Officer. Drawing on the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) framework, the program was created to provide immersive, real-world trial training for attorneys preparing to take cases to verdict.

“From the beginning, the goal was to formalize trial training and ensure our attorneys were prepared for increasingly complex and high-stakes matters,” said Thomas Brophy, Marshall Dennehey’s retired, former President & CEO who championed the program’s development. “Chris brought a proven model and adapted it into something uniquely Marshall Dennehey.”

Each year, 8 to 12 attorneys from offices across the firm are selected to participate based on nominations from department leadership. The curriculum focuses on four essential trial components—opening statements, direct examination, cross examination, and closing arguments—and culminates in a full mock trial experience. Participants receive detailed critiques from seasoned trial lawyers and gain invaluable courtroom confidence.

Over the years, the program has been supported by a distinguished faculty of Marshall Dennehey trial attorneys, professional actors serving as expert witnesses, and summer law clerks acting as jurors. The firm’s Philadelphia headquarters features a dedicated mock courtroom designed to replicate live trial conditions.

“The mock trial program isn’t just about teaching skills,” Brophy added. “It’s about identifying future leaders and building strong connections across offices and practice groups.”

Marshall Dennehey’s President & CEO, G. Mark Thompson, reflected on the milestone. “This program embodies our belief that great trial lawyers are built through hands-on experience, mentorship, and support. We’re proud of its legacy and excited for what the next 25 years will bring.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Celebrating 25 Years: Marshall Dennehey’s 2025 Advanced Trial Advocacy & Mock Trial Program participants included (front row, left to right): Sean Reeves, Lauren Purcell, David Drake, Christian Weimann, Elias Hassinger, Heather LaBombardi, and Corey Setterlund. Faculty included (back row, left to right): James Hanratty, Craig Hudson, Dan Sherry, Thomas Brophy, Joan Orsini Ford, Joseph Santarone and Robin Snyder (not pictured).