MC Law recently secured a national victory at the John L. Costello National Criminal Law Trial Advocacy Competition in Arlington, Virginia. This was the school’s first time competing in the event, which featured teams from 26 law schools. The team of Maggie Maddox (3L) and Hope Sage (2L), serving as defense advocates, along with Emily Harrington (2L) as a team witness, advanced through six rounds before winning the championship. Another MC Law team, featuring Josey Tatum, Gabbi Ferreri, and Mary Hargis, also competed. The competition, hosted by George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law, provided law students with the opportunity to simulate real criminal trials, adapting to new facts and witnesses as they progressed. Sage was recognized as the best overall defense advocate, winning all ballots from all judges throughout the competition.
The final rounds were particularly exciting, as MC Law faced the University of Mississippi, with Ole Miss students representing the prosecution. The Honorable Daniel S. Fiore II presided over the final round, with experienced practitioners scoring the competition. Coached by MC Law alums Arthur Calderon and Sammi Jaquez, both former members of MC Law’s Moot Court Board, the team’s success was attributed to extensive preparation and teamwork. Maddox and Sage reflected on their experiences, emphasizing the dedication, late nights, and support from their coaches and teammates that led to their victory. “The championship wasn’t built in a day. It was forged in long nights and cemented with unwavering determination…We are overflowing with gratitude for the encouragement and guest coaching that lifted us along the way.” said Maddox. Sage added that “Preparing for this competition felt like being handed a blank canvas and being tasked with bringing a vision to life. Throughout this journey, the team leaned on each other's strengths and relied on the invaluable experience of our coaches, which I believe was the foundation of our success.”
Coach Arthur Calderon credited his team’s hard work and dedication for guiding them toward a win. “Each [student] put in countless hours working on their case and pushed themselves to be the best advocates possible. It was amazing watching each of them find their voice and overcome every challenge thrown at them.” Coach Jaquez echoed his sentiments saying, “Their dedication, not just to the competition but to uplifting one another throughout the process was truly inspiring.”
Hope Sage(2L), Best Oral Advocate Hope Sage (2L Board member) and Maggie Maddox (3L External Vice Chair)
