Richard Apat, head of the firm’s Personal Injury and Real Estate Litigation practices, is the volunteer attorney adviser of the Locust Valley High School team in the New York State High School Mock Trial Tournament.
The annual tournament provides students considering a career in the legal profession with the opportunity to argue a case in a real courtroom during mock trial proceedings. It’s an invaluable hands-on experience, furthering their understanding of the law, court procedures, and the legal system, while honing their speaking, listening, reading, and reasoning skills.
The New York State Tournament is the nation’s largest, with Nassau being the largest single county, involving more than 500 students from 45 high schools.
This is Mr. Apat’s second year coaching the Locust Valley team. With his guidance and encouragement, the team has so far won three trial rounds, advancing to the “Sweet Sixteen.” The next trial date is March 18, to be held at the Nassau County Supreme Court.
