The University of Georgia School of Law recently captured the top trophy in the Charleston School of Law National Moot Court Competition and won a regional championship of the American Association for Justice National Student Trial Advocacy Competition, qualifying to compete in the national tier of this tournament.

Third-year law student Caroline F. Savini and second-year law student Simone Ford went undefeated at the Charleston moot court tournament, claiming the national title. Savini was named the best oralist of the final round.

A second team representing UGA, comprised of second-year law students Eric Wilder and Hayley Nicolich finished as semifinalists and were presented with the Best Appellee Brief Award.

Notably, three of the best five oralists in the preliminary rounds of this competition were from UGA: Wilder, Nicolich and Savini. Also, Georgia was the only school to advance two teams to the quarterfinals.

“I am so proud of these two teams,” School of Law Director of Advocacy Kellie Casey said. “They were outstanding. I really wish it could have been an all Georgia final, but instead the two teams met in the semifinals. They were both so well prepared as is evidenced by the oralist and brief awards. It was a strong tournament for Georgia.”

In the American Association for Justice National Student Trial Advocacy Competition, third-year law students J. Alex Prescott and Karen E. Hays and second-year law students Stephen Mulherin and Philip Poole finished in first place in their regional tournament. They were undefeated in the contest, overcoming teams such as Emory University, Georgia State University, Belmont University, the University of South Carolina and Lincoln Memorial University. They will now advance to the national tier of the tournament to be held in Raleigh, North Carolina, during April.

“This team is well positioned to represent UGA in the national round,” Casey said. “There will be 14 teams competing for the national championship next month, and I am confident their hard work and preparation will pay off.”     

A second team comprised of third-year law students Hallie E. Willis and Oliver R. Ladd and second-year law students Matthew Poletti and Davis Kimball also participated. Third-year law student B. Elizabeth Tarver helped coach the teams.

These successes demonstrate the law school’s commitment to preparing its students for real-world practice while connecting them to professionals and leaders in the legal community through a variety of different opportunities and events, according to law school Dean Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge.