Nicholas Langenberg takes First Place at 1L Final Oral Argument

By Jake Jenkins

April 25, 2023

Front row, from left to right, 1L Oral finalists: Reem Albudoor, Anna Maxwell, Nicholas Langenberg, Isaac Martin, Joe Greene.
Back row, from left to right, Judges: Hala Jabrou, David McKeague, Brock Swartzle

Nicholas Langenberg, ‘25 was crowned as the top oralist last Wednesday at the 1L Final Oral Argument at Michigan State University College of Law.

The case centered around social media threats and freedom of speech; a school district expelled a student for making threats against another student and the plaintiff argued that it was freedom of speech, and the student was wrongfully removed from school.

Langenberg represented the defendant (school district), and his argument was enough to win over the judges and earn first place.

“I feel really lucky and really wonderful,” Langenberg said. “Arguing off brief was one of the hardest things I’ve done, I had my on brief done so well that trying to argue the other side was almost impossible.”

Along with securing a huge win in front of the MSU Law community, Langenberg was able to share the moment with his wife and children in attendance.

“It was so good,” Langenberg said. “My kids are very much in the journey for law school, so it feels really good to share big wins with them.”

As Langenberg placed at first, the following students placed second, third and fourth:

• 2nd Place: Reem Albudoor
• 3rd Place: Joe Greene
• 4th Place: Anna Maxwell and Isaac Martin

Langenberg also placed first in writing the best brief. Maxwell was second and Albudoor was third.

The Board of Advocates is a student organization dedicated to intensive advocacy training in a competitive environment. It consists of all members of MSU Law competition teams led by an elected executive board. The program provides students the opportunity to further develop written, oral and team-based advocacy skills.

Jake Putala, ’24, President-elect for Board of Advocates, enjoyed the outcome of the event and is excited to see what the future has in stored for competitions.

“Board of advocates are thrilled about tonight’s event,” he said. “The future of MSU Law is in great hands with the class of ’25 and it was invaluable for them to compete in front of these esteemed judges.”

The oralists presented arguments before 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge David McKeague, U.S. District Court Chief Judge for the Western District of Michigan Hala Jabrou, and Michigan Court Appeals Judge Brock Swartzle.

Before last week's arguments began, Judge David McKeague was honored with an award of appreciation for his many years of advocacy for MSU Law.

Isaac Martin (right) hugs friend and teammate, Nicholas Langenberg (left) after first place winner was announced.