Justin Matarrese

Founder & President

Justin’s passion for legal education can be traced back to the halls of Tottenville High School in Staten Island, NY.  Over the last eight years — first as a competitor, then as a coach — Justin has established the Tottenville mock trial program’s preeminence in the state.  His students have appeared in 5 New York City Championship Rounds and captured 3 New York City Championships.  In 2008, they placed second in the state, and in 2009, they were crowned New York State Champions — out of 525 schools statewide.  Unfortunately, due to state rules, Tottenville was unable to vie for a national title.  That’s why Justin found the Empire: to provide the only forum open to the best mock trial teams in the world.

Justin also actively participated in collegiate mock trial at New York University.  As a competitor, he served as president of the mock trial organization during his junior and senior years, leading the team to fourth and sixth place national finishes while capturing multiple Attorney Awards along the way.  As coach, Justin led NYU to its first ever National Championship in 2010, defeating perennial-favorite Harvard University in the finals.  In 2011, NYU again reached the national Final Trial, becoming the eighth school in collegiate mock trial to garner consecutive final round appearances.

Justin received a Bachelor of Arts in History from NYU and plans to enter law school in Fall 2012. He credits mock trial for igniting his passion for law; his students for inspiring him to create EMTA; and his family, in particular his parents, for their unwavering support and encouragement over the years.