3/13/13: Charleston Law teams make history at regional competition
Release Date: 3/13/2013
Two Charleston Law teams competed at the annual ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition in Washington, District of Columbia this past weekend and made history when they tied for Best Brief in the region. Members of the teams included Kelsey Brudvig, Jose Gonzalez, Drew Joiner, John Leininger, Jordan Roberts and Virginia Rogers. Both teams were coached by Assistant Professor of Law Jon Marcantel.
“The ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition is the most prestigious Moot Court competition in the country. There were 39 teams in the competition, and those teams represented some of the most distinguished schools in the nation. The fact that the two teams from Charleston School of Law tied for the best brief award shows our school's dedication to developing the best advocates in the country. Charleston Law’s legal writing and advocacy programs are second to none,” said 3L Student Drew Joiner.
Professor Marcantel agreed with Joiner’s sentiments. "Once again, we have demonstrated that our focus on practice skills and advocacy generates real returns for the students. Of the 39 schools that entered the ABA Competition-D.C. Regional---schools including Washington & Lee, Georgetown and George Mason, among others---the Charleston School of Law's teams tied for the Best Brief, with each of the teams securing a first-place award. We truly couldn't be prouder of them," said Marcantel.
Other Charleston Law teams competed this past weekend at competitions in different states.
Kayce Seifert, Jared Barley, Alexis Wimberly, Andrew McCumber with Lane Jefferies as alternate made it to the semifinals in the Florida State University National Mock Trial Competition, in Tallahassee, Fla. Barley was awarded Best Opening Statement. The team was coached by Legal Writing, Analysis and Research Professor Brock Collins.
“I am very proud of all our team members, who put in considerable time individually and in pairs working on their various roles, in addition to days of marathon group sessions. When the team’s personalities mesh it’s a very special experience, and this group has a great time together,” said Collins.
Two teams comprised of Whitney Wilder, Michelle Jones, Jescelyn Tillman, and Devon Puriefoy and Maggie Beale, Zaine Hodge, Jon Gentry, and Derek Bush with Craig Conover as alternate competed in the American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition in Raleigh, N.C. Both teams were coached by Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law Debra Gammons.
For more information on Moot Court programs contact Associate Professor of Law Miller Shealy and for information on Trial Advocacy programs please contact Assistant Professor of Law Todd Bruno.