MacElree Harvey, Ltd. announced that two of its attorneys - Timothy F. Rayne and Leonard J. Rivera - earned Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Trial Advocacy Degrees from Temple University's Beasley School of Law. The yearlong program provides practicing trial attorneys with the opportunity to hone their litigation skills.

Returning to school while maintaining a busy practice and raising a family is not a choice many attorneys make. Rayne and Rivera participated in a two-week "boot camp" to kick off the program and, after that, attended weekly lectures and "performance weekends" once per month. Rayne and Rivera each benefited from the program's focus on role plays, including five mock trials and the repeated practice of such skills as opening and closing statements, direct and cross examination, arguing motions and taking depositions.

Lance Nelson, Managing Partner of MacElree Harvey, commends his colleagues, "Tim and Lenny join 5 other attorneys in the firm who have taken the time to advance their skills. The commitment required by the LL.M. program is very significant, and Tim and Lenny have demonstrated an exceptional ability to balance very full workloads with the demands of their studies. Their willingness to challenge themselves speaks to their professional and personal drive for excellence."

Both Rayne and Rivera enjoyed the program immensely and believe that it will greatly benefit them in their ability to represent their clients. "Lenny and I had excellent instruction from hot shots in the trial business and got tons of hands-on, in the courtroom experience. I feel that my trial skills and confidence have improved immensely," says Rayne. Rivera, who is also licensed to litigate before the United States Supreme Court, notes: "For 17 years, I have represented clients in the courtroom on a weekly basis. With the skills and training I acquired from the Temple LL.M. program, I have a strategic edge to drive the best possible outcomes and benefit my clients in courtrooms across Pennsylvania."

Rayne focuses his practice in civil litigation and personal injury law and Rivera practices criminal defense, immigration and personal injury law.

The Temple University Beasley School of Law website makes this observation regarding the Master of Laws degree: "Good lawyering is not a game of chance, or luck even though both of these may play a role. Day in and day out, in the unforgiving tournament of a trial, skill wins out."