Law Students Compete in National Appellate Competition

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From left: Mikayla Jayroe, Caitlin Robb, Jacob Holland, Amanda Hurst, Danielle Weatherby, Bennett Waddell, Will Yandell and Jace Motley.

Two teams of U of A School of Law students competed in the American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition held Feb. 16-18 in Philadelphia. Team Jacob Holland, Caitlin Robb and Mikayla Jayroe won back-to-back rounds, shifting between arguing on behalf of petitioner and respondent. The team advanced to the quarterfinals and earned perfect scores for their oral advocacy. Judges complimented the team for their poise, composure and knowledge of the law and record.

Team Jace Motley, Will Yandell and Bennett Waddell were named regional finalists. The team won fourth best brief in the competition.  Motley and Yandell placed in the top 10 best advocates from a field of 60 competitors.

The U of A School of Law teams were coached by professor of law Danielle Weatherby and assistant professor of law Amanda Hurst. The competition took place in the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse, located in the center of the city. The building houses the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.