Shark Beach Showdown III
National Trial Competition
Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law is excited to host the Shark Beach Showdown National Trial Competition from February 19–22, 2026.
Many of the top trial advocacy law schools in the country will be sending teams to South Florida to compete in this unique trial competition.
Shark Beach Showdown III
Our Vision
Each school will be guaranteed four rounds representing both sides of the case twice. Then the field will be cut to the top-8 teams who will duke it out on a super Sunday of trials at the Broward County Courthouse. The competition will begin with a Challenge Ceremony where schools will choose their first-round opponents—in public!
Awards will be given for best opening, closing, direct, and cross-examination as well as an overall outstanding advocate—the "Tintin" Award. Opening ceremony and Day One of the trials will be at NSU Law. Days Two and Three of trials will be at the Broward County Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Award Categories
1.
Best Opening.
A well-organized presentation of the case theory, clear use of evidence, and strong storytelling that connects with the jury. Effective delivery, professionalism, and adherence to courtroom rules play a key role here.
2.
Best Closing.
How effectively can you reinforce key arguments, summarize
evidence, and persuade the jury. The clarity, emotional appeal, and logical consistency of the closing, are essential.
3.
Best Cross-Examination.
Challenging the witness's credibility, controlling the witness's responses, and highlighting key inconsistencies are important. Clear, focused questions that support the case theory, and maintaining professionalism and composure under pressure are crucial.
4.
Best Direct.
How clearly you elicit important facts from the witness, build the case narrative, and establish credibility?
"Tintin" Award
Best Overall Advocate
In Honor of Arturo "Tintin" Alvarez
The "Tintin" Award, also known as the Arturo Alvarez Best Advocate Award, is a tribute to the unwavering resilience, courage, and dedication of a remarkable individual who embodied the true spirit of advocacy.
Arturo’s journey was one of extraordinary perseverance. Diagnosed with end-stage cancer during his final semester of law school, he faced a battle that would have broken many. Yet, Arturo defied the odds—not just in his fight for his life, but in his unwavering commitment to his education and his passion for the law.
Even after learning that his time was limited, Arturo did not let his circumstances define him. In the face of incredible adversity, and just days after learning of his diagnosis, Arturo went on to triumph in the Buffalo-Niagara Trial Competition, winning the semi-final and final rounds of competition, and claiming the title of Best Advocate. Arturo's legacy lives on in the tenacity he displayed both in the courtroom and in life.
This award is given to the advocate who best exemplifies Arturo's strength, determination, and excellence—someone who rises above challenges with integrity, skill, and an unwavering commitment to justice. May this award inspire future generations of advocates to approach every challenge with the same courage, passion, and heart that Arturo displayed until the very end.