Akron Law students to compete for $5,000 in cash prizes at April 6 intramural trial competition
Eight teams comprised of two advocates and two witnesses from The University of Akron School of Law have signed up to compete for $5,000 in total cash prize money at the school’s 10th annual intramural trial competition sponsored by Tzangas Plakas Mannos Ltd. (lawlion.com) on Saturday, April 6, beginning at 9 a.m.
The winning team receives a $2,500 prize, the runner-up a $1,500 prize, and the two semi-finalist teams each receive a $500 prize.
The competition will be at a high level. Participants include several students who represented Akron Law at the National Black Law Student Association National Championship and others who had strong finishes in their regional mock trial competitions earlier in March. Akron Law was recently recognized by U.S. News and World Report as having one of the top trial advocacy programs in the country.
“The competition is an opportunity for students to get practical trial experience, feedback from judges and practicing attorneys, win cash prizes, and have their name inscribed on the Lion Law Cup,” said Jeananne Ayoub (Akron Law, ’18), associate attorney with Tzangas Plakas Mannos Ltd. Ayoub was part of Akron Law’s national runner-up trial team last spring and won this competition with her team less than one week later.
“Every year, Tzangas Plakas Mannos invites judges to participate and score the final round,” said Collin Wise (Akron Law, ’12) and associate attorney with the sponsoring firm. “Last year, Judge Edward O’Farrell, Judge Alison Breaux, and Magistrate Kristen Moore volunteered their time to evaluate and give feedback during the competition. This year our guest judges are Judge O’Farrell, Judge Amy Corrigall Jones, and Judge Kelly McLaughlin.”
The first two rounds of mock trials begin at 9 a.m. at the Akron Municipal Court, located 217 S. High Street. Following a lunch break, the final round will take place in the Brennan Courtroom at the law school’s C. Blake McDowell Law Center, 150 University Ave.
The event is free and open to the public.