Nazarian College Senior Melia Mikha Earns Best Defense Attorney Award at Anteater Mock Trial Invitational
Nazarian College senior Melia Mikha, a Business Law student with aspirations in entertainment law, recently earned top honors at the Anteater Mock Trial Invitational, held Nov. 22–23 in Irvine. Competing against 35-plus teams from universities throughout the West Coast, Mikha distinguished herself by winning the event’s Best Defense Attorney Award, ranking first in her category in both rounds out of six competitors.
Mikha prepared extensively for the competition as a member of CSUN’s mock trial team, which meets every Sunday and is supported by four to five volunteer attorneys who help students develop litigation skills and courtroom strategy. She was also coached by Professor Valerie Flugge and Professor KC Knox, whose guidance helped her excel in a challenging criminal case scenario.
“Melia showed an exceptional level of preparation and analytical skill throughout this competition,” said Professor Valerie Flugge. “We couldn’t be prouder of the skills she brought to the team.”
Before the event, Mikha received a 250-page case packet and spent weeks crafting opening statements, analyzing case law and memorizing key arguments. Participants were given the opportunity to select their own witnesses, allowing teams to tailor their trial strategy.
“I’d recommend it to anyone interested in law. It’s a large time commitment, but the experience is incredibly rewarding,” Mikha said.
With plans to pursue law school and a career in entertainment law, Mikha reflects on the competition as a defining experience. “Mock trial teaches discipline, critical thinking, and confidence,” she said. “It’s one of the best opportunities available to students considering a future in the legal field.”
“These kinds of experiences are critical to build a student’s confidence and for their career success,” said Chandra Subramaniam, dean of the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics.
CSUN’s Mock Trial team is comprised of students who voluntarily participate over a span of six months to learn trial procedure, etiquette, and strategy which culminates in a weekend long nation-wide series of simulated trials. In addition to Professors Flugge and Knox, the students are guided by volunteers from the community, including members of the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. The team is able to participate in several practice invitationals and travel to competitions through generous donations from the community, including sponsors Lewitt Hackman, a Law Corp (an Encino based full service law firm) and the Valley Community Legal Foundation (the charitable arm of the San Ferando Valley Bar Association).