Meet the Competitors from Magna’s

The 10th annual Chopped for CHOP featured four of the most high-caliber trial attorneys in the nation competing in a mock trial challenge. The program was held on June 19th & 20th at the Borgata in Atlantic City and was attended by over 130 legal and insurance professionals from across the US.

The fundraiser CLE conference, hosted by Magna Legal Services, raised a total of $23,500.00 for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

After fierce competition and twists aplenty, returning competitor Tera Edwards took home the title of 2024 Chopped for Chop Champion. “It feels pretty awesome to have gone to Chopped for Chop in 2022, lose to the best, Jerry Hamilton, of course, but then win it when I came back this year and competed” said Edwards in her post-conference MagnaFYI Tips interview.

Yes, very fun. I loved participating and seeing what it has grown into since I started attending years ago.

Since I was only there the first round, not a lot. What I think affected me most was that I didn’t realize initially that the shadow jury would be behind and opposite of the judges. I would have changed my directional presentation had I thought about that in advance

A creative free-for-all. Law school trial advocacy with the freedom to bring in external evidence and information.

This is a hard one, I’m not that creative! I like seeing some twists that are reminiscent of things you may see in trial (that includes jurors and judges falling asleep). For example, the witness needs to have his/her recollection refreshed or impeached.

Yes, and beyond! You see the clips online of the craziness, but it doesn’t do the feeling of actually being a part of it justice. Despite the twists and turns, it was also a fantastic experience with regard to practicing our craft and sharing the stage with my fellow trial attorneys.

Well, to keep it professional, when Justice Medina seemingly had a very audible episode of flatulence. It was not easy staying on track amid the sudden noise and the chaos that followed when he attempted to pass the blame around!

If I had to tell someone what Chopped for CHOP is really like, should they be considering taking the stage as a new competitor, I’d say it’s like conducting a mock trial in the middle of an SNL skit. Anything could happen, and its great fun!

While I’m not exactly sure what this would entail, something that involved the audience would be a fun idea. Perhaps it could be a random question or two they have to answer before the mock trial proceeds. It would also keep them engaged!