March 10, 2022

Ten 2021 Graduates Selected for Prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates Fellowship

Southwestern continues to lead in Trial Advocacy! The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) has selected a group of ten Bison for its prestigious three-month Fellowship program – the largest number of Southwestern fellows in five years.  

2021 graduates Kathryn Dermenjyan, Ryan Farell, Erik Gonzalez, Melanie Khosravi, Meghan Lewis, Keila Magana, John McCorkle, Mark Montellana, Justin Pitman, and Nicole Rossi-Standley have participated in a three-month intensive program working for a defense firm, a plaintiff's firm, and a Superior Court Judge. The fellows immersed themselves in depositions, mediations, court appearances, and trials throughout the program.  

The fellows unanimously credit Southwestern's strong Trial Advocacy program with their success in the program. "My desire for advocacy blossomed when I was selected as the best brief writer finalist for the Intramural competition and joined the Moot Court Honors Program," said Melanie Khosravi. "Placing second at the Charleston School of Law National 2021 Moot Court Competition only strengthens my joy of advocacy." 

"I am extremely thankful for the support at Southwestern that led to the honor of being selected as an ABOTA Fellow." - Nicole Rossi-Standley '21

 

Nicole Rossi Standley echoed Khosravi's remarks. "Upon joining the Trial Advocacy Honors Program (TAHP) team, I knew that I wanted to become a civil trial attorney and aspire to one day become a member of ABOTA. I am extremely thankful for the support at Southwestern that led to the honor of being selected as an ABOTA Fellow." 

"It has been a huge honor to participate in the Hon. Victor E. Chavez ABOTA Fellowship program. There are no other post-bar opportunities like it." - Ryan Farrell '21

 

The fellows expressed gratitude for the support received from Southwestern's Career Services Office - specifically Christine Tarr, Senior Assistant Director for Career Services, and advisor Elizabeth Bernstein, Associate Director for Career Services. "I want to thank the Career Services office, especially Christine Tarr, for helping me through the application process," said fellow Ryan Farrell. "It has been a huge honor to participate in the Hon. Victor E. Chavez ABOTA Fellowship program. There are no other post-bar opportunities like it." 

Succeeding in this rigorous program amid COVID was no small feat. ABOTA Chairman Steve Glickman acknowledged the unique challenges of completing the fellowship remotely and praised the students for their gumption and talent. 

"The Fellows for the 2021 Hon. Victor E. Chavez ABOTA Fellowship Program proved the old saying -- that which does not kill you makes you stronger. This year's SWLAW Fellows were incredible. What a great group of future trial lawyers," said Glickman. 

Congratulations to our 2021 ABOTA Fellows!

Interested in becoming a 2022 ABOTA Fellow? 

The Los Angeles County Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates offers a fellowship with a stipend, to up to 15 graduating law students of Los Angeles-based law schools who will take the July 2022 California Bar Exam. The program lasts three months, beginning in September 2022, and the successful candidates will have the opportunity to develop skills to become a civil trial attorney in Los Angeles County: one month will be spent at a plaintiff’s law firm, one month at a defense firm, and one month working with judges.

Join our Career Services Office for an information session on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. via Zoom (W311) to discuss application requirements and hear from past ABOTA fellows.

Questions? Email careerservices@swlaw.edu