[Photo from L to R: Madelyn Abry, Dorothy Hayes, Katie Wood, Chris Moore, Chelsea Sissom, Sam Heyman, Cormick McLaughlin, Professor Elizabeth Lippy]
Two Temple Law Trial Teams emerged victorious in regional rounds of the National Trial Competition (NTC), co-sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) and administered by the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA). Both teams will be headed to the NTC’s national round in San Antonio, Texas March 19th through April 2nd. The regional rounds, held February 9th through the 12th, were co-hosted by Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law and Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
Region 3, comprised of Temple Law and 11 other law schools, will be represented in the national rounds by Temple Law Team 1; 3L Christopher Moore and 2L Dorothy Hayes, and Team 2; 3L Sam Heyman, 3L Cormick McLaughlin, and 2L Chelsea Sissom. This marks the first time in well over a decade that two Temple Law teams will go to nationals representing this region, noted Director of Advocacy Program Jules Epstein.
The teams were supported by coaches Katie Wood, Erika Storm, Madelyn Abry, and Professor Elizabeth Lippy. Professor Ken Jacobsen consulted with both teams on Civil Procedure.
“Here’s what I saw firsthand about our Temple students during the competition,” said Professor Lippy. “They showed true grit and determination. Perhaps even more important than the outcome was their professionalism and ethics. Normally at these competitions, the other teams don’t cheer Temple on because obviously they wanted to win instead. But this year was different. The other schools in our region who did not make it to the semis or final rounds were reaching out and cheering us on because of how kind our students were during the rounds against them. I think that’s a true testament to the Temple Made lawyer. I’m a proud one myself after watching these two terrific teams.”
Team 2’s Cormick Mclaughlin noted, despite the two teams operating separately, “From the moment the five of us began working together it was clear that we would help each other however we could. Our professors and coaches were instrumental in providing us with the skills and confidence necessary to perform at a high level – the Temple way works.”
“This team was incredible. Five students with no egos, all pulling in the same direction. That’s how we prepared and that’s why we won,” said fellow Team 2 member Sam Heyman. “Thanks to our coaches who have dedicated countless hours, late nights, and early mornings to making us real advocates. Thanks to everyone else at the law school for helping us bring home the trophies.”
Through teamwork and perseverance, the teams look forward to what will be challenging, but hopefully rewarding, National rounds. “The students were fabulous,” said Professor Lippy, “and are excited to see what may come in Texas for the national competition.”
“I am looking forward to representing Temple in Texas,” said Chelsea Sissom. “I am so proud of our RTC team and grateful to be a part of it! Thank you to our coaches for all of their support and for helping us become the best advocates we can be.”
“We’re going to celebrate this win” said Team 1’s Chris Moore, “but as the late great Philly legend Kobe Bryant once said, ‘Job’s not finished.’ See y’all in San Antonio!”
This year’s competition marks a return trip to the NTC for Moore, who says he gained valuable insight from his experience there last year. “After falling short last year in this competition, I made the decision to dedicate myself to becoming the best advocate I could possibly be, but this win isn’t about me. Sending two teams to the national competition is a testament to Temple’s reputation as the number 1 trial advocacy program in the nation. I’m humbled to be a small part of such a renowned program.”
His enthusiasm was shared by his fellow Team 1 member, Dorothy Hayes. “I am so grateful to share another win with Chris and Temple’s National Trial Team,” said Hayes. “We couldn’t have done it without the countless hours put in by Liz Lippy, Erika Storm, Madelyn Abry, and Katie Wood. They’re not only brilliant coaches, but dedicated mentors. Being on this team has been my favorite part of law school so far and I can’t wait to make Temple proud at Nationals!”