CWRU’s BLSA Mock Trial Team recently won 1st place at the Midwest BLSA Regional Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition in Chicago, Illinois. Out of fifteen total teams competing, CWRU emerged victorious after facing Loyola Chicago, the University of Missouri, Saint Louis University and Cleveland State.
“Case Western once again showed why it is a formidable force in the Midwest when it comes to trial advocacy. I could not be more proud of this team and the work they put in for regionals. Having competed in this competition during my time in law school, I am confident that this team can shake things up at the national competition,” remarked coach McClellon D. Cox (LAW ‘19).
The case was a criminal case of felony battery and aggravated assault. Nneka Onyekwuluje (2L) and Ryn Wayman (2L) represented the prosecution. Aanya Myrie-Silburn (2L) and Tyler Tipton (1L) represented the defense. Thomas Lipker (1L) and Xavier Poplawski (1L) participated as a shadow team preparing both sides of the case as well as playing witnesses during practices.
"We have been preparing to build our trial advocacy skills all year, so we feel great pride that this preparation has paid off! Competing and networking in Chicago were some of the most fun we’ve had thus far in our legal journey, and we will be pushing ourselves even harder as we prepare to represent CWRU at nationals in Washington, D.C,” said Aanya Myrie-Silburn.
This victory is just one in a long list of BLSA Mock Trial wins. At the same competition last year, two teams qualified for nationals.
2L Nneka Onyekwuluje remarked: “After many long days and nights of practice, there is no greater honor than placing first in the Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition. As a first-year member, being able to learn alongside my teammates has undoubtedly sharpened my trial skills and acumen and I can’t wait to take what we’ve learned to nationals!”
The team will travel to Washington, D.C. during spring break to compete against over a dozen law schools from across the United States in the National BLSA Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition.
