copeland cook press release

The Mississippi College School of Law (MCSOL) Moot Court Board successfully concluded the Fall 2007 Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush (CCTB) Moot Court Competition Wednesday, November 7, 2007. With Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Judge Edith Jones presiding and other members of the Fifth Circuit and CCTB judging, MCSOL students Ashley Nader and Shirley Moore competed in the final argument of the 2007 CCTB Moot Court Competition. Nader ultimately emerged victorious.

"I was truly honored to have the opportunity to represent Mississippi College in the final round in front of distinguished members of the Fifth Circuit and Copeland, Cook, Taylor and Bush,” Nader said. “I look forward to the day that I have the opportunity to again argue in front of members of this distinguished panel. I will be a more polished advocate in the future as a result of this competition and the Moot Court Board at Mississippi College School of Law."

Along with Chief Judge Jones, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judges E. Grady Jolly and Leslie Southwick joined CCTB members Glenn Taylor and Bill Leech on the final argument judging panel. The argument culminated a three week competition that saw more than 100 second-year students competing for Board membership, more than 1,500 Board member hours spent bringing the competition to life and almost 300 local attorneys and judges participating in judging arguments and offering oral and written advocacy assistance.

“The competition was a fun and exciting experience,” said Moore. “I was hoping to make the Moot Court Board, but didn't anticipate advancing to the finals because each person that I had the opportunity to argue with exhibited such competence and skill. Each time was a new learning experience. I know that this competition as well as future experiences with the Moot Court Board will be very beneficial.”

The 15th year CCTB has sponsored this annual MCSOL intraschool competition, MCSOL Director of Advocacy and Moot Court Board Advisor Victoria Lowery believes this year’s competition was the best ever.

“Each year, I’m amazed at the work our Moot Court Board is able to do in administering this competition, and each year that administration gets better and better,” Lowery said. “We receive tremendous support from our law school administration and faculty, and our Board members truly represent the pinnacle of student achievement at Mississippi College School of Law.”

Along with Nader and Moore, other CCTB Competition awards were presented to the following students:

Best Overall Brief: Nicholas Morisani
Best Petitioner Brief: Mason Montgomery
Best Respondent Brief: Denita Smith

Best Overall Oralist: Ashley Nader
Best On-Brief Oralist: Tray Hairston
Best Off-Brief Oralist: Lindsey Oswalt