Mock Trial Team Wins Regional, Qualifies for National Tournament

The Baylor Law School mock trial team of Danny Back, Josh Hedrick, Danny Stokes and James Williams recently captured first place at the American Association for Justice (formerly the American Trial Lawyers Association) northeast regional competition in Boston and will travel to New Orleans to compete in the National Trial Competition on March 29-April 1.

"Our students have once again set the standard for excellence in trial advocacy education and training. Their sterling achievement is a reflection of the quality of our program," said Baylor Law School Dean Brad Toben.

In achieving the regional win, the Baylor team bested 16 teams, including a semifinal win over the University of Connecticut and a win over Suffolk University Law School that gave Baylor the championship. The team tried five trials during the tournament and won all by a unanimous verdict. During the tournament, Back and Hedrick served as attorneys while Stokes and Williams took the part of witnesses. In the national competition, Baylor will compete against 13 teams.

"The strength of our program is known in the south and southwest, but this win reflects how well we prepare our students for trials across the country," said Professor Jim Wren, who served as coach of the team.

Baylor Law has a tradition of success in the mock trial world. In 2005, a Baylor Law team was crowned national champion at the ATLA competition. In 2003, Baylor students won third place in the ATLA national competition, and in 2004, Baylor teams won first and second places in the regional and then went on to again clinch third place in the national finals held in Florida.

In addition to Wren, the Baylor mock trial team is coached by lecturer Kathy Serr. Third-year law student Lauren Davis served as evidence coach.