LOS ANGELES (Nov. 17, 2014)- Loyola Law School, Los Angeles won the 13th Annual National Civil Trial Competition (NCTC) on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014, after a three -day tournament held over the weekend in Los Angeles. More than 50 law schools nationwide apply for this prestigious rivalry, and only 16 finalists are chosen to compete in the invitation-only event that focuses on training students in the art of trial practice.
The winning team members were Amarveer Brar, Alia Chaib, Rebecca King and Christi Valone. The coaches were John Henry, Brandon Takahashi, and Hillary Burrelle. They defeated the Stetson University College of Law team that consisted of members Chad Florin, Daniel Miles, Candice Rojas, and Lisa Ungerbuehler. Stetson’s coaches were Lee Coppock and Michele Joiner.
Loyola Law School hosts the annual tournament that was created in 2002 by Professor Susan Poehls, the director of trial advocacy programs at the school. The Santa Monica law firm Greene Broillet & Wheeler LLP has proudly co-sponsored the event since its inception.
Each competing law school sent a team of four students who participated in a civil lawsuit trial that consisted of opening statements, direct and cross-examination of two witnesses per side, and closing arguments. Each team litigated a personal injury case involving a man brutally beaten at a professional sporting event. The plaintiff blamed the owners of the professional sports team for security failures and sued for negligence.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the people and organizations that have helped ensure the success of the National Civil Trial Competition this year,” said Poehls. “I’m grateful to the many Loyola Law School students and staff, as well as local attorneys who have donated their time, skill and wisdom to ensure the success of this tournament.” More than 100 members of the greater Los Angeles legal community volunteered as tournament judges.
“This is such a fantastic opportunity for these high caliber students to try out both sides of a case and figure out which type of litigator they want to become,” said Geoff Wells, Partner at Greene Broillet & Wheeler LLP and a member of the judges’ panel. “It’s always exciting to play a part in this great tournament.”