2003
NATIONAL STAC WINNERS
The University of Denver Law Students
Win National Mock Trial Competition in New Orleans
Click here to see complete list
of 2003 winners
Back to STAC main page
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (March 28, 2003) - The winning University
of Denver team almost didn't make it to the competition. Challenged
with several feet of snow and numerous flight cancellations, the law
students didn't give up. They camped out with thousands of other stranded
passengers at Denver International Airport and waited patiently for
weather conditions to improve. Despite starting the first round a
day later than their competitors, the tenacious students won the national
"mock trial" competition sponsored by the American Association for Justice.
 |
Known as the annual AAJ Student Trial Advocacy
Competition (STAC), the mock trials began in February in 14 cities
where 217 teams from 122 schools faced each other regionally.
The top team from each region advanced to the finals competition
held March 20-23 in New Orleans, hosted by the Glorioso Law Firm.
In the final trial the University of Denver law students faced
a team from the University of Florida. The four students on the
winning University of Denver team who developed and practiced
their trial advocacy skills before distinguished members of the
bar and bench are Loren Brown, (3L), Reginald Short, (2L), Jennifer
Gokenbach, (3L), and Dan Wartell , (3L). The team coach is Karen
Steinhauser (pictured in center). |
STAC cases are always civil cases and tend to deal with products liability,
personal injury, and medical malpractice/negligence concerns. This year's
insurance disability case involved a lawsuit filed by Kelly Hocker against
Common Insurance Company for breach of contract and breach of good faith
and fair dealing. The competing teams were judged on their trial advocacy
skills including opening statements, use of the facts, and the examination
of witnesses and closing arguments.
Please contact Carmen Lathan, Manager, Law Student Services, AAJ
Membership Department, 800-424-2725, ext. 372 if you are interested
in participating in next year's Student Trial Advocacy Competition.
As the world's largest trial bar, AAJ promotes justice and fairness
for injured persons, safeguarding victims' rights–particularly
the right to trial by jury–and strengthens the civil justice
system, through public education and advocacy. With more than 60,000
members worldwide, AAJ provides trial lawyers with information and
resources to serve clients successfully and also offers benefits for
law students, professors, paralegals, and judges.
As a law student member of AAJ, you'll receive career-enhancing
information with TRIAL magazine, and case-referenced Law Reporter.
You'll also receive AAJ's law student newsletter, "From Classroom
to Courtroom," with career-building advice and news about upcoming
law student events. Plus you'll receive AAJ's weekly e-newsletter,
AAJ Law News Digest, which keeps you up to date with abstracts of
news articles and cases on hot litigation areas.
AAJ's Mentor program pairs law students with experienced trial lawyers
who will share valuable guidance, advice, and insights. Student members
can work with attorneys through AAJ's "shadow program"
or use AAJ's membership directory available on CD to find mentors.
Other student member benefits include attending AAJ's Annual and
Winter Conventions at an 85% discount and attending AAJ Education
seminars for free. The seminars provide practical information and
professional contacts needed to build a successful practice and excel
in the courtroom. You'll also be eligible to apply for scholarships
sponsored by AAJ and its members.
AAJ Student Chapters are your best resource for networking and information
gathering. They are an ideal way to meet and share ideas with other
law students and experienced lawyers. AAJ can provide you with everything
you will need to start a chapter with our "Chapter in a Box"
kit. To receive our kit, or get information on joining or starting
a chapter, call 800-424-2725 or 202-965-3500, ext. 372.
To join AAJ, please visit our Web
or call Carmen Lathan, Manager, Law Student Services at 800-424-2725,
ext. 372.
___________
2003 National STAC Winners
1st PLACE
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER COLLEGE OF LAW
Denver, Colorado
2nd PLACE
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, FREDRIC G. LEVIN COLLEGE OF LAW
Jacksonville, Florida
SEMI-FINALISTS
BAYLOR LAW SCHOOL
Dallas, Texas
ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Providence, Rhode Island
QUARTER-FINALISTS
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF LAW
Birmingham, Alabama
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Chicago, Illinois
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS SCHOOL OF LAW
St. Louis, Missouri
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL
Washington, D.C.
|
