The Brendan Moore Trial Advocates started their fall 2016 campaign in spectacular fashion, winning the Florida National Trial Advocacy Tournament and finishing second at the Mockingbird Challenge National Trial Competition in Alabama.
The 3L team of Winhkong Hua, Anthony Odorisi, Theodore Becker, and Shrey Sharma bested 11 other law schools from across the country to win the University of Florida Law School competition, held on September 30 through October 2. Sharma received Best Advocate honors for the final round. Gabriel Mendoza ’11 and Cassandra Rohme ’14 served as coaches.
Meanwhile, the 3L team of Bethany Smith, Brianna Gallo, Daisy Sexton, and Princess Uchekwe placed second among 20 law schools at the Mockingbird Challenge event, held in Montgomery, Alabama from September 28 to October 1. Smith earned Best Closing Argument for the preliminary rounds, topping 80 competitors. Brittany Russell ’13 and Michael Hardin ’14 served as coaches.
Adam Shlahet ’02, director of the Brendan Moore Advocacy Center, said the competition results were a tribute to the rigorous preparation of students and coaches. He praised the intelligence, creativity, and passion of the team members, as well as the tireless work of the coaches who balanced their professional responsibilities while preparing students for success.
“We sent a message to all the other law schools in the country that Fordham is a force to be reckoned with,” said Shlahet, who was earlier this year appointed full-time director of the program. The Moore Advocates have eight more teams participating in seven events this semester.
In addition, the Brendan Moore Trial Advocacy Center will host the 6th Annual Judge Paul Joseph Kelly, Jr. Invitational Trial Competition featuring 16 law school trial advocacy teams on November 12–13.