Congratulations to the ABA-National Appellate Advocacy Competition team – Jennifer Bellott and Michael Goodin – on their excellent performance in Las Vegas last week.  The team beat UCLA, UC-Hastings, San Diego (on orals), and Southern Methodist while advancing to the final regional round.  They lost to Ohio State in the final round by one point on a split decision, just missing out on the opportunity to advance to the National competition in Chicago.  Most exciting is the fact that both Jennifer and Michael were among the top five advocates in the 36-team regional.  Michael had the second best score in the region, and Jennifer was directly behind him with the third best score. 

Associate Dean Barbara Kritchevsky was the team's coach.  She and the team thank the faculty who judged practice rounds – Ralph Brashier, David Case, Andrew McClurg, Steve Mulroy, Ernie Lidge, David Romantz, Gene Shapiro, and Kevin Smith.  The team also appreciated the support of past team members and outside attorneys.

Michael and Jennifer’s accomplishment is especially notable in that they are both second year students and had to write the brief entirely on their own.  They have worked tirelessly since receiving the problem in December and deserve congratulations.

3/07