On November 15th and 16th the CSU Law Moot Court team hosted the New York City Bar Association National Moot Court Competition Region 8 Tournament. With teams coming from all over with hopes of moving on to the finals in New York, the competition highlights the success of our law school and the strength of its alumni. On the first day alone around 50 volunteers were needed to judge the first three rounds. With the help of many alumni the moot court team had no issue obtaining attorneys and judges to volunteer.
During and immediately after the tournament the Moot Court Team executive board received high praise for the execution of the competition. Several competitors, coaches and judges described the competition as "the smoothest" they have participated in, "well-organized," "well executed," and "extremely enjoyable and impressive."
Moot court is scored on two scores the brief written before the competition and the oral arguments.
CSU entered two teams into the competition. Cecelia Payne and Isaiah Smith, 3Ls finishing 8th overall. Cecelia and Isaiah outperformed the University of Dayton by 5 points in Oral Argument but lost overall by 0.03 points in Round 1, lost against eventual Semi-Finalist University of Kentucky in Round 2, and won against University of Louisville in Round 3.
Matthew Holstein, Carter Chippi, and Michael O'Neil, 3Ls, finished 12th overall. Unfortunately, the team lost round 1 to University of Akron, and round 2 against eventual Semi-Finalist Michigan State University, but outscored the University of Louisville in Oral Argument in Round 3.
Administrative Judge Kathleen Keough ’87, Ohio Court of Appeals, Eighth District of Ohio; Judge Benita Pearson ‘95, U.S. Northern District of Ohio, and Judge Alice Batchelder, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, presided over the final round between The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati.
Note from Matt Corrigan:
The new members of the Moot Court team were the life blood of the competition. Each was assigned duties throughout the day and performed them flawlessly. Importantly, they observed the fabric of a moot court competition. This experience will help them prepare for their competitions in the Spring. The morning of the competition I asked that they all absorb some takeaways from watching the argument rounds. To keep an eye out for the nuances of a successful appellate argument. Importantly, to benefit their competition team, but more valuable to their future careers. The team enjoyed being a part of the tournament, and there was certainly a buzz of excitement to start their competition season.
Ultimately, I am extremely grateful to our advisors Kyle Hutnick ‘16 and Billy Killmeyer ‘20, my Vice-Chairpersons Matthew Hosler and William Olmstead, and all alumni and legal community volunteers that made this competition happen. I believe next year's executive board is now well equipped to host this tournament next year.
Congratulations to the entire CSU Law Moot Court team for their success in hosting such a great event!
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