Congratulations again go out to Stephen Boyett, Carrie Devitt, and Jessica Franklin for their outstanding finish at the National Appellate Advocacy Competition finals this past weekend.  The team placed among the final 16 in the nation.  The competition is hosted by the American Bar Association.

Both of Marquette’s teams, including the team composed of Elizabeth Champeau and Thomas Worsfold, distinguished themselves at the competition this year.  Both teams did well because they maintained a consistent effort throughout the competition.  They worked diligently on their briefs, and both teams achieved high scores on their briefs.  They also met numerous times with practices judges to hone their arguments.  The teams and I would like to thank the following practice round judges for all of their assistance this year:

Michael Aiken, Katie Bender, Rebecca Blemberg, Jesse Blocher, Bruce Boyden, Christopher Brunson, Kristina Cerjak, Michael Cerjak, Elizabeth Champeau, Wade DeArmond, Teague Devitt, Christopher Eisold, Rick Esenberg, Andrew Finn, Michael Fischer, Janine Geske, Kathleen Goodrich, Jeff Greipp, Jay Grenig, Nadelle Grossman, Martha Hamilton, Sam Hamilton, Thomas Hruz, Joseph Kearney, Jennifer Kreil, Mark Leitner, Alan Madry, Lisa Mazzie Hatlen, Natalia Minkel-Dumit, Brent Nistler, Julie Norton, Michael O’Hear, Joseph Peltz, Janice Rhodes, Peter Rofes, Paul Secunda, Bonnie Thomson, Michael Tuchalski, Carey Villeneuve, and Michael Waxman.

The Marquette NAAC Moot Court team advanced through the first day of competition at the national finals in Chicago on April 2.  The team is one of 24 teams to have made it to the finals from the six regional rounds held across the country.  The finals are being held at the federal district court in Chicago.  Sixteen teams will be competing in the octafinal round on April 3.  

Congratulations to team members Stephen Boyett, Carrie Devitt, and Jessica Franklin.

Congratulations to the Marquette National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) team!  On Saturday, our students distinguished themselves at the Boston regional NAAC competition.  Stephen Boyett, Carrie Devitt, and Jessie Franklin won each of their five rounds of competition, and they will be advancing to the National Finals in April.  Elizabeth Champeau and Thomas Worsfold advanced to the semifinal round.  The students also distinguished themselves in obtaining high scores on their briefs. 

Approximately 190 teams entered the competition and are participating in six regional competitions.  Only the top four teams from each regional round advance to the National Finals in Chicago.

Both teams have worked hard to prepare for competition.  The students put many hours into preparing their briefs and oral arguments.  We appreciate the assistance that many local practitioners and law faculty gave us in preparing for the oral arguments.  We are especially grateful to Attorney Michael Cerjak, a 2008 law alum and former NAAC competitor, who organized and attended numerous practice rounds.  Michael surprised the team by flying out for the final rounds on Saturday. 

Congratulations, Team!  I’m proud of you!!