Thomas Jefferson School of Law’s very own Mock Trial team swept past 16 teams on February 9-10 to become semi-finalists at the Texas Young Lawyers Association West Coast Regional Trial Competition. This year’s intense competition was held in Salt Lake City, Utah where 24 teams entered the competition. Among the law schools that competed were Cal Western, Chapman, Southwestern, Pepperdine, and Loyola.
The TJSL Mock Trial team of Danny McDaniel, Sam Meyler and Nichole Denton knocked out the University of San Diego (USD) and UCLA law schools in the preliminary rounds. This is the third year in a row that TJSL has taken a title at this competition.
Pictured above are: Danny McDaniel, Eva Bonelli, Jason Sherlock, Erin Lindquist (coach,) Sam Meyler, Yulia Ivanov, Nichole Denton.
TJSL student and semi-finalist of the competition, Sam Meyler, said, “This competition was top-notch. It was obvious all of the teams were prepared, but we worked together as a team. We are behind each other 100% and a win isn’t considered a personal victory, but a team victory.” Meyler said the case that TJSL’s team argued was a burglary cause of action with assault and grand theft.
When asked how it felt to earn the title of semi-finalists at the competition, Meyler said, “Being in a courtroom, arguing against a competitor and coming out on top is an incredible feeling and accomplishment. You know that all of your hard work and dedication has not only improved your personal skills, but also furthered the reputation of Thomas Jefferson.”
The Mock Trial Program, under the direction of Coach Jane Siegel and Assistant Coach/ student Erin Lindquist, is an opportunity for TJSL students to compete against other law students from around the country.
Another TJSL student and semi-finalist, Danny McDaniel, said, “Participating on the TJSL Mock Trial team is a great experience. It’s a team effort and our coaches keep us focused and on our toes.”
Competitions portray simulated civil and criminal trials and allow students to gain interactive trial experience while enhancing their evidence and oral advocacy skills.
According to Lindquist, “The Mock Trial team is a group of hard-working students with a drive to not only compete, but to compete and win!”
TJSL’s program has accomplished several titles in the past two years, including National Champions of the ABA Labor & Employment Law Competition and National Finalists at the John Marshall Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition.
TJSL’s Mock Trial team is currently preparing for the National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition hosted by the John Marshall School of Law. The competition will be held in Chicago from March 29-31. Last year, the team earned the title of National Finalists at this competition. This year, the Mock Trial team will be competing against 20 teams from around the country and two teams from law schools in the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico.
Tryouts for next year’s Mock Trial team will be held on Sunday, April 15. A sign-up sheet to tryout will be posted in the library on Thursday, March 1, and slots fill-up quickly. Mock Trial is open to all students in good academic standing.
Lindquist welcomes students, “with a passion for trial work and a drive to achieve national recognition for their successes,” to tryout for next year’s team. All TJSL students are encouraged to tryout for a chance to become part of an award-winning tradition!