BUIES CREEK, N.C. and WASHINGTON, D.C. – Campbell University Law School’s Moot Court Team came home with a win from the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition that took place Mar. 12-16 in Washington, D.C.

The Campbell Law team of Christian Staples, Matt Waters and Julie Weissman went undefeated, winning the Regional Competition and earning the right to compete in the National Finals, held Apr. 3-5 in Chicago, Ill. In the preliminary rounds, the team beat teams from the Univerisity of Virginia, Southern Methodist University and Southern Illinois University. In the octofinal and semifinal rounds, they beat both Barry University School of Law and Liberty University School of Law.

Staples was named 9th best oralist, out of at least 62 competing oralists.

The second Campbell Law team of Adam Sholar, Debbie Kickler and Tracy Stroud argued against the University of South Dakota, Charleston School of Law and the University of Richmond, though did not advance due to losing split decisions with two of the teams.

Professors Rick Lord and Beth King led the teams.

“The students of Campbell Law continue to make their mark on the national stage,” said Dean Melissa Essary, commenting on the success of these teams. “This regional victory in Washington D.C., marks the fourth time this academic year that one of our moot court or trial teams has been victorious among some of the best law schools in the country.”

Other schools competing in the region included North Carolina Central, William & Mary, Georgetown, Washington & Lee, Nova, San Diego and American University.

About the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition: The ABA Law Student Division's National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) emphasizes the development of oral advocacy skills through a realistic appellate advocacy experience. Competitors participate in a hypothetical appeal to the United States Supreme Court. The competition involves writing a 40-page brief as either respondent or petitioner and then arguing the case in front of the mock court. The ABA NAAC had more than 180 teams competing in six regions this year. The top 24 teams – four from every region – will advance to the National Finals in Chicago, held Apr. 3-5.

Media contact: Ashley Arnold, 910.893.1812, arnold@law.campbell.edu