Byrne Trial Advocacy Team Achieves Critical Wins at Major Competitions
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Loyola’s Byrne Trial Advocacy Team members had a banner spring, capping a year that included winning the major National Civil Trial Competition in November.
Byrne Team members were named regional champions at the American Association of Justice (AAJ) Student Trial Competition. Students Amy Bailey, Jade Davis, Alexis Domb and Geoff Warner went undefeated through all five rounds of the tournament. Loyola's second team, consisting of Alia Chaib, Rebecca King and Vivian Rivera also were outstanding, winning all three of their preliminary rounds before losing in the semifinal. The AAJ teams were coached by John Henry '99, Roxanna Manuel '00, Hillary Burrelle '14, Brandon Takahashi and Poehls. The AAJ team is preparing for the National Finals of the AAJ Student Trial Competition to be held in Pittsburgh in late April.
“Loyola's teams this year continue to demonstrate what talented law students can accomplish when they are given practical, hands-on training in trial advocacy,” said Poehls. “Their dedication and hard work this year was an investment that will undoubtedly pay off as they begin their careers as young trial lawyers.”
Earlier in March, students Amarveer Brar, Helen Galloway and Ali Moghaddas advanced all the way to the "Elite Eight" of the National Trial Competition (NTC), the premier spring National Trial Advocacy competition in the country with over 170 schools and 300 teams competing. The team was coached by alumna Susan Poehls, director of Trial Advocacy Programs, along with Kimberly Higgins '06 and Ani Artsvelyan '14. They were aided by Professors Laurie Levenson, Sean Kennedy and Gary Williams, along with team supporter and friend, Judge Larry Cho, and alumni Larry Lawrence and Brian Ward.