Meet the Competitors

What was it like to step on the stage as the returning champion for Chopped for CHOP?

Stepping on the stage, as a returning champion is filled with excitement and pressure. You’re excited to be back on stage to once again demonstrate your skill set, but equally there is a significant pressure to perform even better than you did before.  The other competitors, although, very collegial, come extra prepared with their “A” game to knock you off the proverbial  throne.  This makes the competition even more challenging and exhilarating.  

How was this Chopped experience different from 2022?

In 2022, there really wasn’t any expectation from the audience on how you would perform. It was a bit more relaxed. However, in 2023, when being announced as a returning champion, everyone had an expectation, so I had to step it up. In 2022, the competitors didn’t know how the twist and the turns would impact us, so we just nervously awaited them. We anticipated them a bit more in 2023 but even Magna really lived up to the mantra, “expect the unexpected.”

What was your favorite twist?

My favorite twist was when the snow came out on the stage and there was a complete white out.   That’s something you could never anticipate.  Luckily, it played well into the theme of my case on how my client’s viewed the world now with his significant TBI. 

How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to somebody that’s never attended?

The Chopped for CHOP event is a unique seminar that combines opportunities to learn the most advanced and cutting edge techniques in the legal industry, while also creating an environment of humor and fun. It is simply the best way to learn. Additionally, with the marquis attendance list, the networking is second to none.  

Last but not least, will you be coming back to defend your crown in 2024?

I am completely undecided if I will come back to defend my titles in 2024. I think it may be time to have others step up and bask in the glory.  

What was it like to step out on stage for Chopped for CHOP in front of your friends, colleagues, clients, and potential clients?

Being on that stage was like walking a tightrope. It was equal parts exciting and terrifying. I loved the adrenaline rush.

What was your favorite twist?

My favorite twist came when the judge asked me to hit a sleeping juror in the face with his own hat! I didn’t know if the guy was going to play along or take a swing at me.

How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to somebody that’s never attended?

If I were to describe Chopped to someone who had never seen it, I would tell them to imagine a mock trial with real lawyers but everyone else is part of a comedy improv group on a mission to disrupt the proceedings. So, it’s equal parts informative and completely off the rails.

Will you be returning next year to Chopped for CHOP as a judge?

I would absolutely jump at the chance to come back next year as a judge or a participant.

What was it like to step out on stage for Chopped for CHOP in front of your friends, colleagues, clients, and potential clients?

It was not only an honor and a privilege, but the culmination of years of hard work and dedication spent perfecting my craft. I am forever grateful to Magna for providing me with this awesome platform to compete at the highest level, against the best legal talent in the country. Clients hire us to compete every day, but it is not every day that you get to display the high standards you set for yourself and live up to them.

What was your favorite twist?

There is nothing like multiple personalities (John Di Domenico) to keep a defense lawyer on her toes. Of all the twists, this particular twist allowed me to demonstrate the skill of pointed cross-examination and boxing in a witness. It is one thing to make an argument to a jury, but it is entirely another when you can outmaneuver a witness and prove your case in real time.

How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to somebody that’s never attended?

Chopped for CHOP is far more than a fun competition and philanthropic event. It is an opportunity to inspire, offer new viewpoints and strategy, sharpen skills, and collaborate one-on-one with likeminded colleagues to the betterment of our legal community.

Will you be returning next year to Chopped for CHOP as a judge?

Absolutely! Magna provided me with the perfect stage to demonstrate my talent and I am a firm believer in paying that forward. Count me in – aka “Bobcat.”

What was it like to step out on stage for Chopped for CHOP in front of your friends, colleagues, clients, and potential clients?

It was a real blast! For anyone who enjoys the courtroom and competition as much as this year’s competitors, it’s all good. The fact that there were friends, clients, and colleagues there was an added bonus. 

What was your favorite twist?

That’s an easy one– John Di Domenico as the “personality-changing” plaintiff. It’s tough to cross-examine a witness who changes his voice, personality, persona, and pretty much everything with each question.

How would you describe Chopped for CHOP to somebody that’s never attended?

It definitely ain’t no regular mock trial, that’s for sure! The case itself makes it interesting enough, but the twists make it compelling too. Plus, it’s an incredible learning experience for everyone, the competitors included.

Will you be returning next year to Chopped for CHOP as a judge?

Absolutely! Wouldn’t miss it.