Western State College of Law students proudly demonstrated their legal expertise at the 2024 Syracuse National Trial Competition. The competition took place in Syracuse, NY, from October 18–20. This invitational tournament included top ABA-approved law schools from across the country such as Belmont University College of Law, Fordham University School of Law, and Loyola Law School.
In this tournament, students display their legal skills in several areas such as their opening statements, cross-examinations, and closing arguments in front of a panel of distinguished judges and attorneys. Four talented students from Western State impressed the panel with their legal expertise, earning several awards as a result.
The team was coached by Western State’s very own Professor Robert Molko. Matthew Dos Santos (2L) won the award for Best Advocate for the Final Round, as well as Best Closing Argument. Chase Gleason (2L) was crowned as the competition’s Best Overall Advocate. Together with Megan Khorashadi (3L) and Erica Sorenson (2L), the team demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, securing them a Finalist Team award in the event.
These accomplishments highlight the strength and dedication of students of Western State College of Law, reflecting the institution’s commitment to excellence in legal education. Competing against 12 law schools across the country, the success of the students shows their ability to compete at a national level.
The list of ABA-approved law schools who were invited to the event include:
- Western State College of Law
- Belmont University – College of Law
- Campbell University School of Law
- Cardozo School of Law
- Chicago-Kent College of Law
- Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
- Fordham University School of Law
- Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
- Loyola Law School
- Quinnipiac University School of Law
- Stetson University College of Law