RALEIGH — Campbell Law advocates came out on top over the weekend at the Constance Baker Motley National Trial Competition hosted by the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) in Little Rock, Arkansas, to win the law school’s first national championship in this competition.
Campbell Law advocates Nichad Davis, Maurizo Lewis-Streit, Tatiana Terry, and Ashley Urquijo were named National Champions of the NBLSA Mock Trial Competition on March 16. The team of third-year law students defeated The George Washington School of Law to bring home the championship trophy.
Campbell Law Class of 2015 graduate and former Wallace Advocacy Fellow Kimberly Dixon coached the team to victory. The team was generously sponsored by alumni at the firm of Ward and Smith, P.A.
“Ward and Smith have financially paved the way for our student advocates, and we are blessed to enjoy our relationship with them,” Dean J. Rich Leonard said. “Their gift provides the opportunity for our students to learn, get competitive experience and show the rest of the country how our first-class advocacy program is molding the future leading attorneys of tomorrow. We are in debt to them for their generosity.”
In addition to the national championship, a single award was presented to the national competition’s best advocate – Nichad Davis – completing a total sweep for Campbell Law.
The NBLSA mock trial competition started with 102 teams across six regions. In February, the team dominated the Southern Regional in Memphis, Tennessee. They bested every single team they faced. At the same time, they swept the individual awards. Urquijo received the award for best direct examination; Terry won best cross examination and the award for the best advocate in the regional competition.
The team continued their winning streak by going undefeated during their run up to the national championship. They defeated five different law school teams at nationals – all of whom were tops in their respective regions.
“I simply cannot express how overjoyed I am for Nichad, Maurizio, Tatiana and Ashley,” said Professor Daniel R. Tilly, director of the law school’s Advocacy Programs. “They worked tirelessly for months. Their coach, Kim Dixon, guided them throughout. Morgan (Pierce) and I met them at the airport this morning to congratulate them in person. They represent the very best of Campbell Law advocacy.
“The Campbell Law team swept their competition in the preliminary, quarterfinal, and semifinals rounds to earn a spot in the final round. The team emerged from the final round victorious winning the school’s the Constance Baker Motley National Trial Competition for the first time in the law school’s history. “
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