ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition Team Wins Best Brief at Regionals

By: Jamie T. Nichols, Jr., ‘17

MSU Law’s ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition team won best brief in the regional finals in Saint Louis, Missouri on February 25. The team came in second place to Belmont University in the final round of oral arguments. Kate Wakeman, ’18, was the primary brief writer while Alec Torigian, ’17, and Caulley, ’17, were oralists.

“This was the second time Angela and I did this competition as oralists,” said Torrigan. “Moot court was my favorite thing about law school because it gives you invaluable practical experiences and gives the opportunity to speak in front of judges and practicing attorneys. I’d like to thank our coach, Professor Copeland, for judging rounds and giving feedback, and getting us prepared for the competition.”

Caulley and Torigian were excited to return to the competition. “We were one of the few 2L teams (last year). I feel like this program helped me hone my speaking skills, my ablity to think on my feet and ability to articulate the law,” Torigian said.

“I was fortunate to have competed in four moot court competitions because it contributed to a more holistic educational experience,” Caulley said. “I’ve learned a lot about the law from doctrinal classes and serving on the Law Review Senior Editorial Board. Moot court helped me put everything I’ve learned about the law, research, writing and speaking into practice.”

Torigian plans to work in civil litigation after graduation. Caulley will be joining the Probate and Estate Planning group at Miller Johnson in Grand Rapids upon graduation.