Three members of the UW Law School mock trial team are advancing to National Trial Competition finals this spring, after winning in their regional competition Feb. 5-7.

Students Lara Carlson, Loredana Valtierra, and Anthony Hatzilabrou won two of three preliminary rounds, as well as their semi-final and final rounds, to emerge as competition champions. Twenty-four teams from 13 schools competed in the event, hosted by Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska.

Members of UW Law’s mock trial team participate in nationwide competitions that give them skill and knowledge in trial advocacy. That includes arguing motions, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, and conducting direct- and cross-examination of witnesses in a jury trial setting. Members compete for their spot on the team each spring, with tryouts open to first- and second-year law students. Students who make the team enroll in a trial advocacy class in the fall, and participate in competitions in the spring.

Mario White ’08, a public defender in Madison, and Matthew Van Keulen ’11, an attorney with American Family Insurance, co-coached this year’s winning team.

According to White, "The students did an excellent job throughout the competition, ousting William Mitchell College of Law — the #1-seeded team — in the final round. Tony Hatzilabrou gave an amazing closing. In fact, the scoring judge called it the type of argument that changes jurors’ minds."

The National Trial Competition was established by the Texas Young Lawyers Association in 1975. Finals for the 2014-15 season take place in Houston, Texas, March 11-15.

Submitted by Law School News on February 13, 2015

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