University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law students earned top awards in moot court, mock trial and negotiation competitions across the country this fall. The competitions give students an opportunity to test their skills at some of the nation’s best intercollegiate competitions.

“These results highlight the impact of McGeorge’s advocacy programs and the commitment of the students and coaches who support them,” said Dean Michael Colatrella. “With a national reputation for hands-on training and courtroom excellence, the programs prepare students to succeed in both trial and appellate settings.”

During the fall semester, four students were recognized with top honors as the highest performing competitors in their respective competitions.

Moot court

Natalie Parker ’26 earned Best Oralist honors among 75 competitors at the Chicago Bar Association Moot Court Competition in November. Moot court is a program that simulates appellate court proceedings with participants arguing for either the petitioner or respondent before a panel of judges. The competition tests students’ written and oral advocacy, critical thinking and legal reasoning skills.

“This being my first competition, I am so grateful to have won this award,” Parker said. “Moot court has been the highlight of my time at McGeorge. It has opened so many doors and has provided me with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Parker previously received the Top Oral Advocate Award in the 2024 Global Lawyering Skills Top Oral Advocate Competition at McGeorge—a competition for first-year law students that simulates litigation experience. Students work with a single case preparing and arguing a motion in the trial court through the appeals process following a judgment.

McGeorge's Moot Court program finished No. 9 in the nation for the 2023-24 school year.

Mock trial

Three students received top honors in mock trial competitions, a simulated courtroom experience in which students portray attorneys and witnesses while presenting a fictional legal case, competing as either the prosecution or defense.

Michele Ruffner ’26 received the Best Advocate Award at the National Medical-Legal Mock Trial Tournament in Hempstead, New York—the only trial competition in the country where a medical school and a law school collaborate to simulate real-life expert testimony by doctors. The award is presented to the competitor who demonstrates the best advocacy skills and performance.

“Michele was complimented on her command and confidence in the courtroom and her mastery of the materials,” said Adjunct Professor of Law Simone Leighty ’20. “The judges and coaches found Michele to be an incredibly driven and hardworking competitor, which showed during each round.”

Ruffner credits the mock trial program with shaping her law school experience and professional growth. 

“Winning the Best Advocate award means so much to me because it reflects a moment where I finally trusted myself and my abilities as an advocate,” Ruffner said. “Mock trial challenged me in ways that were uncomfortable at times, but it helped me grow confidence in my voice, my preparation and my instincts in the courtroom.”

Jasmine Crawford '26 earned the Best Opening Award out of 64 competitors at the National Civil Trial Competition in Santa Monica, which is an invitational tournament for students who have previously demonstrated excellence in mock trial competitions.

Leighty said Crawford’s composure and storytelling set her apart. “The judges found Jasmine to be the epitome of a cool, calm and collected competitor,” she said. “Her mastery of the facts and rules was evident, but it was particularly her gift in storytelling that set her apart.”

Drake Zerba '27 received the Best Advocate Award at the Premiere Trial Competition in Los Angeles, where McGeorge students also placed second overall. The competition is only open to first-time competitors. In addition, Associate Professor Dominique Hinson was honored as Best Judge.

“Drake has a natural presence in the courtroom,” Leighty said. “His tenacity, especially his witness control skills on cross-examination of the opposing team's expert witness, was also applauded by the judges.”

Negotiation

The McGeorge Negotiation Team placed among the top five teams out of 24 at the Regional American Bar Association Negotiation Competition in Minneapolis, a simulation in which law students negotiate a series of legal problems.

“As a member of the McGeorge Negotiation Team, I have gained valuable skills that have helped me grow as an advocate,” said Katie Boucher ’26. “Competing has helped me overcome my public speaking anxiety, learn to think on my feet and explore new areas of the law such as artificial intelligence.”

Boucher also highlighted the team’s continued momentum. “As rookies, my partner, Malak Haider ’26 and I placed third and fifth in our first two regional competitions,” she said. “Now as co-captains, we are looking forward to representing McGeorge in Brazil this March.”

The upcoming competition marks the first time the McGeorge Negotiation Team has competed in Brazil. The team previously earned first place at the International Negotiation Competition in Cardiff, Wales, in 2018.