UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND LAW SCHOOL TEAM COMPETES IN NATIONAL TRIAL COMPETITION

March 28, 2001

A team of three University of Richmond Law School students competed in the National Trial Competition in Dallas March 21-24.

Second-year students Greg Hoffman, Dale Mullen and Molly August won their berth by advancing to the finals of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Regional Competition held in Richmond. They joined regional champion Georgetown in competing with teams from across the U.S.

Hoffman, Mullen and August were the only team of second-year students in the regionals. All the other schools sent third-year students.

At the nationals, Richmond argued against Loyola (Calif.), Chicago Kent and Wake Forest in preliminary rounds. Although Richmond did not make it to the finals, each member received the Lewis F. Powell Jr. Medallion for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.

"It was a great experience," said August. We met judges and attorneys from all over the country."

"You never knew whether you had to argue the prosecution side or the defense side," Mullen said. He described the atmosphere as very competitive, but said the camaraderie of the team was enjoyable.

"It was a nice experience to learn and develop trial skills," Mullen said. "Each time you tried the case, you got a critique with suggestions on how to do better."

Legal skills courses at Richmond "give you everything you need to be successful as a trial lawyer," Mullen said. Most schools do not offer classes that focus on research, briefs writing, trial practice and appellate advocacy skills, he explained. "Our classroom preparation is second to none."

At the regionals, contestants argued both sides of a grand larceny embezzlement case before a jury of Virginia judges and practicing attorneys. They tackled a murder case in Dallas.

A second University of Richmond team comprised of Carlotta Visher, Terrese Walker, and Tabrica Cook advanced to the semi-finals of the regionals before losing to Georgetown.