Two UMKC School of Law Trial Advocacy teams competed in the Missouri Challenge Mock Trial Competition at the Boone County Courthouse in Columbia, Missouri on October 7th, and 8th. They and six other teams litigated a simulated murder case.
The UMKC team of Stephanie Landers, Thomas “Grant” Honnold and Sara Meier captured the Championship by winning all four tournament rounds and by scoring a perfect twelve out of twelve judges’ ballots. This team of undefeated Championship student litigators was assisted by 2Ls, Tedeja Dean and Rachel Shryock who both played witnesses, an essential role in securing the Championship. The other UMKC Law School Team of Teghan Groff, Ty Kalleck and Ben Wietharn competed strongly and were undefeated after the first day of competition. This team came close to also participating in the Championship round and ended the competition with the second highest win/loss record of the tournament (3-1) only behind the UMKC Championship team (4-0). They were assisted by Stacy Gibson and Olivia Bess-Rhodes who both played a crucial witness role in the presentation of their team’s case. The Competition was judged by trial attorneys and trial advocacy professors throughout Missouri.
This is the second Missouri law school tournament, in less than a year, in which UMKC Championship Teams were undefeated against all other participating Missouri law Schools. Professors Michaelle Tobin and Patrick Brayer teach in the Advocacy program and coach the teams.
Professor Brayer added, "Both teams performed well because each team member dedicated themselves to refining individual trial skills while dedicating countless hours to case preparation. We are impressed by their potential to become highly skilled practicing legal advocates. “
Congratulations to all!