NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 29, 2012

CONTACT: Kent Love
517/432-6848, kent.love@law.msu.edu

MSU Law Students Advance to Semi-Finals at Regional Trial Competition

East Lansing, MI — Michigan State University College of Law’s Moot Court & Trial Advocacy Team advanced to the regional semifinals in the 37th Annual National Trial Competition. The annual event is co-sponsored by the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers.

MSU Law’s team of third-year students Blake Nichols and Jon Trevarthen defeated the University of Michigan Law School, Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, and Case Western Reserve University School of Law in the preliminary rounds of the competition. The duo was edged out of the finals in a close round against University of Cincinnati College of Law.

“The team’s performance at one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious law school trial tournaments was nothing short of phenomenal,” said Veronica Valentine McNally, adjunct professor and associate director of trial advocacy programs at MSU Law.

Adjunct Professor Steven Cabadas and Patrick Duff, ’11, coached the team, which also included 2L alternates Nick Standiford and Carmen Dorris.

The MSU Law Moot Court & Advocacy Board enjoys a strong tradition of success and is earning a national reputation as one of the leading advocacy programs in the country. The Board, which consists of a select group of second- and third-year students, competes against other law schools in appellate and trial competitions hosted by law schools throughout the United States.

Michigan State University College of Law, a leading institution of legal education with a long history of educating practice-ready attorneys, prepares future lawyers to use ethics, ambition, and intellect to solve the world’s problems. As one of only a few private law schools affiliated with a major research university, MSU Law offers comprehensive interdisciplinary opportunities combined with a personalized legal education. After 100 years as a private and independent institution, the affiliation with MSU has put the Law College on an upward trajectory of national and international reputation and reach. MSU Law professors are gifted teachers and distinguished scholars, its curriculum is rigorous and challenging, and its facility is equipped with the latest resources—all affirming MSU Law’s commitment to educating 21st-century lawyers.

###

320 Law College Building
East Lansing, MI 48824
www.law.msu.edu

(left to right) Nick Standiford, Blake Nichols, Jon Trevarthen, and Carmen Dorris