Meet the Competitors from Magna’s
Chopped for CHOP 2024
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.
GO TO:
Leslie Pollie
Managing Partner
Kopka Pinkus Dolin
TRIAL WINS: 85% Win/Loss Ratio
HOMETOWN: Fort Wayne, IN
YEARS IN PRACTICE: 19
Did Chopped for CHOP live up to your expectations?
Yes, very fun. I loved participating and seeing what it has grown into since I started attending years ag.
What twist impacted your trial plan and why?
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
How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to someone thinking about taking the stage as a new competitor?
A creative free-for-all. Law school trial advocacy with the freedom to bring in external evidence and information.
If you had to come up with a twist for our event, what would it be?
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.
Tera Edwards
Cleveland Administrative Partner
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
TRIAL WINS: 10
HOMETOWN: Cleveland, OH
YEARS IN PRACTICE: 11
Did Chopped for CHOP live up to your expectations?
YES – the twists were both challenging and fun! The people, the entertainment, and the events were great.
What twist impacted your trial plan and why?
Every single twist and turn impacted my trial plan which is part of the fun and something that you have to be prepared for in trial. I had to switch gears multiple times during my presentation to adjust to what was being thrown at me. This is part of what makes Chopped for CHOP so fun and challenging!
How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to someone thinking about taking the stage as a new competitor?
An amazing opportunity to have some fun, learn new things about the industry, and meet some awesome people.
If you had to come up with a twist for our event, what would it be?
Cross of a “Surprise” witness after Plaintiff’s cross.
Jeremy Harris
Partner
Lydecker LLP
TRIAL WINS: Winning and losing is a mindset, but I “Win” way more than I “lose”
HOMETOWN: Wichita, KS
YEARS IN PRACTICE: 16
Did Chopped for CHOP live up to your expectations?
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.
What twist impacted your trial plan and why?
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!
How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to someone thinking about taking the stage as a new competitor?
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!
If you had to come up with a twist for our event, what would it be?
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!
Suzette Russomanno
Partner
Hamilton Miller & Birthisel
TRIAL WINS: Winning and losing is a mindset, but I “Win” way more than I “lose”
HOMETOWN: Wichita, KS
YEARS IN PRACTICE: 16
Did Chopped for CHOP live up to your expectations?
It definitely did! I didn’t realize all the work you all put into the event to make it fun AND educational.
What twist impacted your trial plan and why?
The non-cooperative witness definitely impacted my trial plan. We certainly get some of that in real life, but our George Santos was the toughest I’ve ever seen!
How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to someone thinking about taking the stage as a new competitor?
I would describe it as trial in bizzarro land. You have to find the right balance between acting like you are in a real courtroom and rolling with the absurd and unexpected.
If you had to come up with a twist for our event, what would it be?
The judge and the jurors get up and leave the Courtroom for a few seconds then come back; the judge starts talking on the phone; fog machine (but not enough to blind someone or cause a tripping hazard-lol).