Without electronics or pens, students rely on memory and prep to secure first-ever trip to New York State Finals Federations of North America.
The Leffell School is proud to announce that its Mock Trial team has been crowned Regional Champions after winning the semifinal and final rounds of competition.
The regional victory was particularly notable for the team’s ability to succeed while maintaining commitment to the school’s observance of traditional Jewish halachah or law. Because the regional championship trials coincided with Shabbat, when the use of cars, electricity, and even writing instruments is prohibited, the school arranged for the team members to spend the weekend within walking distance of the competition site in downtown White Plains. Students participated in festive meals and morning prayer services before walking to the competition. To remain Shabbat-observant during the trial, the students pivoted from typical feverish note-taking to a specialized system of color-coded sticky notes and rigorous advance scenario planning—a feat of mental agility that impressed onlookers.
This landmark victory marks the first time in the high school’s twenty-five-year history that the team will advance to the New York State finals.
The Leffell School emerged victorious from one of the most competitive programs in the nation. This season, more than 300 schools statewide entered the New York State Bar Association’s Mock Trial tournament. As the regional winner, the team will represent a broad geographic area encompassing Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for this extraordinary achievement,” said Eric Bassin, High School Principal and team advisor. “Their success is a testament to their hard work, legal acumen, and ability to perform under pressure.”
“The manner in which we organize this event sends an important signal to our students and to the wider community about the mission and values of our school,” said Associate Head of School Rabbi Harry Pell.
Lisa Kahn Kriegel, parent of a Leffell School team member, agreed: “It’s so special that the school was able to demonstrate in real time, through the Shabbaton, how one can simultaneously engage meaningfully in the secular world while still adhering to Jewish tradition.”
The Leffell School traveled to Albany from May 17–19 to compete for the state title. While they did not advance to the final round, the tournament capped a historic season where they won their first-ever Westchester County and Region 4 championships.
For more information about the New York State Mock Trial program, visit https://nysba.org/nys-mock-trial/.
About The Leffell School: The Leffell School, a K-12 independent Jewish day school, offers a comprehensive, intellectually rigorous dual curriculum education, along with a robust offering of sports, arts, and extracurricular activities. The Leffell School is located on two campuses in White Plains and Hartsdale, New York, and serves more than 830 students from across the tri-state area, including Westchester and Rockland counties, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
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