Law Students Advance to Semi-Finals in National Trial Competition

School of Law

From left: Hannah Malone and Katelyn Phillips

Third-year law students Hannah Malone and Katelyn Phillips advanced to the semi-final round of the Texas Young Lawyers Association's National Trial Competition in February, becoming the first team in school history to accomplish the feat.

Out of the 24 teams competing in the remote regional contest, Malone and Phillips were among the top eight teams.

Second-year law students Carson Henderson and Kristina Ranney also participated in the competition and were only two points away from competing in the semi-finals.

The students were coached by School of Law alumni, former Board of Advocates executive Jose Ruiz and former Board of Advocates trial competition chair Courtney Brooks.

"It was an honor and privilege to coach Hannah Malone, Carson Henderson, Katelyn Phillips and Kristina Ranney this year," Ruiz said. "They will be amazing advocates for their clients in the future, and they will make the University of Arkansas School of Law proud."

The U of A School of Law traveling competition teams are the product of a comprehensive advocacy skills development program conducted by the student-run Board of Advocates and sponsored by Odom Law Firm. Established in 1982, Odom Law Firm is an ever-changing firm, adapting to provide clients with the best representation in Northwest Arkansas and nation-wide.

The National Trial Competition, administered by Texas Young Lawyers Association, was established in 1975 to encourage and strengthen students' advocacy skills through quality competition and valuable interaction with members of the bench and bar. The program is co-sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers and is designed to expose law students to the nature of trial practice and to serve as a supplement to their education. It attracts teams from more than 140 law schools and involves more than 1,000 law students each year.

About the University of Arkansas School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follow us at uarklaw.