March 6, 2024

Southwestern Law School Triumphs at Regional ABA Appellate Advocacy Competition

Three Southwestern Law School students, 2L Aria Beizai, 2L Jeremy Davison, and 3L Piper Hinson, led by their coach, Professor Jenny Rodriguez-Fee, clinched the Regional Championship at the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition held in Boston from February 22-24, 2024. Their victory at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has propelled them to the national rounds scheduled for April in Philadelphia.  

Hinson reflected on the team’s victory: “It was such a dream to work with Jeremy and Aria. It was the rare instance where each person was as invested in each other’s success as they were in their own. I am so grateful to my teammates and our fabulous coach, Professor Jenny Rodriguez-Fee. Her guidance allowed us to be true to ourselves and make these arguments our own.”  

The team showcased great skill and preparation throughout the competition; they won all five rounds, arguing issues related to civil procedure and technology. The team also distinguished themselves individually: Piper Hinson was recognized as the best oralist, Jeremy Davison’s brief was ranked third best, and Aria Beizai was honored as the sixth best oralist.  

The judges were effusive in their praise for the team, commending them for their adept handling of complex civil procedure issues, lauding the sophisticated and clear argumentation, strategic framing of questions, and compelling briefs that were described as “better than most lawyers.”  

As Team ABA prepares for the national competition, Hinson added, “Advancing to the national rounds is a win for the whole Moot Court program at Southwestern. I am so thankful for the support of our school, the Moot program, and our co-directors, Professor D’Italia and Professor Carpenter.”  

Southwestern Law School extends its congratulations and appreciation to the team, Coach Rodriguez-Fee, Moot Court Honors Program Co-Directors Professors Catherine Carpenter and Alexandra D’Italia, and the many faculty judges, Moot Court alumni, and members who helped prepare the team for the regional competition.