The Trial Advocacy Competitions Washington University School of Law participates in two Trial Advocacy Competitions each year. In the fall, students compete in the Tournament of Champions , and in the spring, they compete in the National Trial Competition, sponsored by the Texas Young Lawyers Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers. This competition is designed to promote trial advocacy training and to provide a forum for exercising knowledge of the laws of evidence and trial strategy. Selected students participate in a full trial in which each competitor makes opening statements, conducts direct examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and presents final arguments.
Students receive two credits for participation.
All 2 nd and 3 rd year law students are encouraged to tryout for the six openings on the Trial Advocacy team. The top twelve contenders advance to a second tryout where direct and cross-examination of witnesses will occurs. Six selected students then represent Washington University at the regional competition. In the spring competition, WU competes in Region VIII which includes Drake, Creighton, Iowa, Saint Louis Washburn and other schools in Missouri, Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas. In Fall 1999, Washington University captured second place in the nation in the prestigious, invitation-only Tournament of Champions Trial Competition, sponsored by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy.