UNC School of Law cemented its status as an advocacy powerhouse during the 2023-2024 season, with students securing unprecedented wins across national and regional competitions. From mock trials to moot court competitions, the school’s advocates left an indelible mark, displaying their prowess on the competitive stage.
At its core, the Holderness Moot Court program provided a structured, co-curricular experience to sharpen advocacy skills. First-year law students competed for coveted team spots, and those selected enroll in specialized second-year courses tailored for preparation. The Advanced Appellate Advocacy course trains students for appellate competitions, while Evidence readies the Broun National Trial Team, and Interviewing and Counseling prepares participants for client counseling events.
This year’s triumphs kicked off in Boston, where the 2L team, comprised of William Reinert, Emma Poole, and John Choi, claimed the regional champions title at the American Bar Association Regional Client Counseling Competition. Their 3L counterparts, Jacob Balbach, Sam Mozina, and Kenzie Ransom, also shined, securing an impressive third-place finish.
The success continued at the William B. Bryant–Luke C. Moore Invitational Moot Court Competition. Second-year law students Drew Alexander and Alexander Jalota emerged victorious as national champions, and Manasi Deorah and Patrick Bradey earned a commendable third place. At the Herbert Wechsler National Criminal Law Moot Court Competition, 2Ls Grace Roberts and Josh Jacobs proved unstoppable, capturing the national championship and Roberts receiving the prestigious Best Advocate Award.
The Broun National Trial Team showcased their courtroom skills at the Bayou Challenge Mock Trial Competition. Third-year law students Abi Perdew and Kate Kozain, alongside 2Ls Katharine Smyth and Rob Jarrell, delivered a commanding criminal case performance, securing second place overall, with Jarrell being recognized for Best Closing Argument.
Carolina Law’s achievements continued with students advancing to the octo-finals of the South Texas Mock Trial Challenge and the Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Moot Court Competition. Students also secured the Best Brief Award and quarterfinal berth at Touro’s National Moot Court Competition in Law & Religion.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of faculty have been instrumental in fostering an environment where these talented advocates can flourish. Professors Annie Scardulla, O.J. Salinas, Eisha Jain, Joe Kennedy, and William Mills have gone the extra mile in preparing these students, equipping them with the tools and confidence to tackle the demanding challenges of competition. The support of the Broun National Trial Team Board and Business Services Coordinator Emily Shuman has also been invaluable, as they worked tirelessly with the students on logistics and ensured they could travel safely. As Scardulla aptly noted, “Winning one of these advocacy competitions is an incredibly difficult task that requires rigorous preparation and a little bit of luck.”
The achievements of Carolina Law’s advocates are a testament to their exceptional talent and unwavering drive, qualities that have been nurtured and amplified by the guidance and support they’ve received from the Carolina Law community at every turn. These students have not only established a new benchmark of excellence but have also solidified the 2023-2024 season as a defining moment in Carolina Law’s history.
