Capital Mock Trial Team Wins Regional Competition Advances to Nationals

Mar. 13, 2002

Capital University Law School won the regional National Student Trial Advocacy Competition held in Cincinnati, Ohio Feb. 28 - Mar. 3. This win places Capital's team among the top 16 trial teams in the nation out of 256 teams. Capital now advances to the national competition to be held Mar. 21 - 24, 2002, in Chicago, IL.

This national mock trial competition is sponsored by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. The competition is based on students trying cases before a panel of lawyers; they are judged on such things as opening and closing arguments and direct and cross-examinations.

Members of Capital's team are Jessica Johnson of Hamilton, Ohio; Jennifer Meacham of Hopkinsville, KY; Natalie Trishman of Columbus, Ohio, and Denny Yacobozzi of Westerville, Ohio. To win the regional competition, Capital defeated teams from law schools at Case Western Reserve University, the University of Toledo, the University of Kentucky, the University of Akron, and Northern Kentucky University. Another team of Capital law students: Adam Crowell from Powell, Ohio; Leigh Meredith of Bowling Green, Ohio; Adam Nemann of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Rebecca Saad of Huntington, WV finished seventh at the regional competition. 

This is the second year for Capital's participation in the National Student Trial Advocacy Competition. Last year, out of 206 teams, Capital placed 10th in the nation.

"I am extremely impressed by the performance of Capital's team," said Adjunct Professor William Thomas of William R. Thomas Co., L.P.A, and the team's coach. "In one round, the team scored 84 ½ points out of a total of 90 points. This is a highly talented and articulate group of students; they are the cream of the crop."

"The exceptional performance of the national mock trial team continues Capital's record of excellence in moot court competitions," said Dean Steven C. Bahls. "When compared with other law school teams, Capital's students continue to shine."

Capital's mock trial team also is assisted by Gordon Evans (L'01) of Reminger & Reminger, Co. L.P.A. The team is sponsored by Reminger & Reminger.

NOTE: For more information, please contact William Thomas at (740) 363-7182.