UW Law Team Advances to National Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition

Two University of Washington School of Law teams successfully made their way through the Western Regional National Black Law Student Association’s (NBLSA) Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial competition to advance to the national finals.

Third-year Roxanne Reese, second-year Konrad Kalpen and first-years Jabu Diagana and Morgan Cartwright earned second place at the competition, held January 4 – 8 in Seattle. The team comprised of third-year Thomas Asare, second-year Adam Roberts and first-years Jennifer Budinick and Lauren Bramwell placed third. Both teams will compete in the finals in Houston, Texas this March.  

In the competition, teams receive details of a hypothetical case, and members take on the roles of prosecutors, witness or defense council. This year, teams argued a civil case concerning malicious prosecution and defamation.

"Being a part of the Thurgood Marshall team has been an enriching and valuable experience,” said Bramwell. “I have learned so much about trial advocacy, and I have developed great friendships and memories along the way."

Lauren Conner ’15 served as the UW Law coach and helped the students prepare. With four 1Ls representing the UW, the teams’ success was especially notable.

“I saw a lot of comradery and team spirit, and the 2Ls were great in giving us guidance,” said Diagana.

Established in 2002, the Thurgood Marshall National Mock Trial Competition is one of the largest and most respected law school mock trial competitions in the country. Hundreds of competitors compete each year on the regional levels with the hopes of ultimately becoming one of the top three teams in the nation.