Meet the Competitors from Magna’s Chopped for CHOP 2022

This annual Magna LS “Edutainment CLE” event was held at the Borgata in Atlantic City on June 22nd & 23rd, 2022. Moderated by Peter HechtRichard Fabian and Rachel York Colangelo.

The Fundraiser Mock Trial Challenge featured four of the best trial attorneys in the USA and raised over $30,000.00 for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Congratulations to our 2022 Chopped for CHOP winner, Jerry D. Hamilton, Esq.!

Jerry D. Hamilton, Esq.

Partner & Managing Shareholder

Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP

Was your experience at Chopped for CHOP what you expected it to be?

I knew that being involved in Chopped was going to be a fantastic experience. I had heard so much about it. However, nothing prepares you for when you’re actually on stage and the twists and turns come. Very entertaining. However, what made it so rewarding was the reasons we were doing it- for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

What was the most challenging part about preparing for Chopped? How is it similar/different to how you prepare for traditional trials?

The most challenging part of preparing for the competition was not knowing what was going to be thrown your way while you were on stage. In a real trial you have the unexpected all the time. However, the twists and turns in Chopped were amplified a million times over. They would never happen at trial, so you always had to be thinking quickly on your feet to deal with most bizarre and unexpected situations. The event actually makes you a better trial lawyer because if you are prepared for Chopped you can be prepared for anything!

What did you think of the Soup Nazi? Was the Soup Nazi a difficult witness to crack?

I loved that you brought the actual Soup Nazi. A legend. Believe it or not, he was not too difficult to crack. I guess the pressures of losing his businesses to Elaine softened him up a bit. I wouldn’t want him in a real trial though.

Have you ever cross-examined a celebrity before? If yes, who? (or what you can tell us)

Can’t say I have. Here in Miami, I’ve cross examined lots of want-to-be celebrities but really no A List talent.

If you had one tip for next years’ Chopped for CHOP competitors, what would it be?

My advice is to be your authentic self. Once that shines through, you will make a connection with the judges that will make your presentation compelling and get you past the finish line.

30 Years in Practice

Practice Areas:

  • Admiralty & Maritime
  • Transportation
  • Insurance Defense
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Property & Casualty
  • Liability
  • Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
  • Medical & Professional Malpractice Defense

Thank you, Jerry, for your $8,000 donation to CHOP!

Tera Sherman Edwards, Esq.

Partner

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith

Was your experience at Chopped for CHOP what you expected it to be?

Yes, and more. It was a great experience to handle the fact pattern alongside some amazing lawyers! The twist and turns during each round were fun and kept it very interesting and entertaining!

What was the most challenging part about preparing for Chopped? How is it similar/different to how you prepare for traditional trials?

I prepared for Chopped just like any trial – analyze the facts, determine the theme, and get out the evidence I needed to support my theme of the case with each witness. The fact pattern was super creative which made it really fun to prepare!

What did you think of the Soup Nazi? Was the Soup Nazi a difficult witness to crack?

The Soup Nazi was great! He was difficult!

Have you ever cross-examined a celebrity before?If yes, who? (or what you can tell us)

Yes – I have cross-examined an NFL football player. I won’t name any names!

If you had one tip for next years’ Chopped for CHOP competitors, what would it be?

Prepare just like you would for any trial and have fun with it! The twist and turns are exciting and keep it interesting.

9 Years in Practice

Practice Areas:

  • General Liability
  • COVID-19: Construction/Contractors/Architects & Engineers

Thank you, Tera, for your $3,000 donation to CHOP!

Daniel P. Costello, Esq.

Managing Partner

Costello Ginex & Wideikis, PC

Was your experience at Chopped for CHOP what you expected it to be?

The experience was outstanding. It was great to be part of such a talented group of attorneys. I absolutely loved the experience

What was the most challenging part about preparing for Chopped? How is it similar/different to how you prepare for traditional trials?

It felt very much like a trial. I had the same butterflies and desire to win for my client, even a fictional client.

What did you think of the Soup Nazi? Was the Soup Nazi a difficult witness to crack?

I think that the inclusion of the Soup Nazi and the overall program was great. Actually, I found that Elaine was the tougher witness to crack, she was absolutely outstanding.

Have you ever cross-examined a celebrity before?If yes, who? (or what you can tell us)

I did have the ability to cross a celebrity before. I have deposed congressmen, actors, and rockstars. However, none were more fun or challenging than CHOPPED.

If you had one tip for next years’ Chopped for CHOP competitors, what would it be?

I would tell them to go for showmanship. It’s a show, and the best performances really went for it.

21 Years in Practice

Practice Areas:

  • Major Case Counsel
  • Litigation Management
  • Construction
  • Insurance Coverage
  • National Coordinating Counsel
  • Transportation

Thank you, Daniel, for your $3,000 donation to CHOP!

Michael Coffey, Esq.

Founding Partner

Coffey Modica O’Meara Capowski, LLP

Look out for Michael Coffey’s spotlight in the next issue of MagnaFYI!

28 Years in Practice

Practice Areas:

  • Construction
  • Labor & Employment
  • Cyber, Tech & Media
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Trucking & Transportation
  • Liability & Casualty
  • Life, Health & Disability
  • and more

Thank you, Michael, for your $3,000 donation to CHOP!