Left to right: Jon Brown, Judge Doug Schrantz, Judge Mary Ann Gunn, Judge Jim Spears, and Donavon Sawyer
(Photo: Submitted)
University of Arkansas
School of Law students Jon Brown and Donavon Sawyer won the 2012 William H.
Sutton Barristers’ Union Trial Competition. A total of 32 teams competed in the
two-week, tournament-style event that was open to all second- and third-year law
students. Brown and Sawyer, both graduates of Washington and Lee University,
defeated Chris Bryant and Paul Younger in the final round.
The competition
involved teams working with a previously drafted record, presenting an opening
statement, examining and cross-examining witnesses and giving closing arguments
in a mock trial setting. The teams argued the fictional case of State of Lone Star v. Dennis Sloan. In the case, the State charged Sloan with filing a fraudulent insurance claim to obtain funds to avoid
foreclosure on his house. Sloan contended that the theft associated with the
claim was carried out by his former girlfriend’s brother.
The competition finals
were judged by Arkansas Circuit Court Judge Jim Spears, Arkansas Circuit Court
Judge Doug Schrantz and former Arkansas Circuit Court Judge Mary Ann Gunn.
The William H. Sutton
Barristers’ Union Trial Competition is organized annually by the School of Law
Board of Advocates, a student-run organization that oversees law school
competitions. The competition is made possible in part through an endowment
from 1959 School of Law graduate William “Buddy” Sutton.