Stetson wins AAJ National Student Trial Advocacy Competition

Stetson University College of Law won the American Association for Justice National Student Trial Advocacy Competition on April 19. Stetson’s team of Brooke Batton Charlan, Stanton Fears, Phylicia Pearson and Kyle Ross beat George Mason University in the final round of the national competition.

Stetson's trial team L-R: They are Kyle Ross, Phylicia Pearson, Brooke Batton Charlan and Stanton Fears.

Stetson’s trial team L-R: Kyle Ross, Phylicia Pearson, Brooke Batton Charlan and Stanton Fears.

The AAJ is one of the two largest mock trial competitions in the U.S. More than 200 teams competed around the country for a chance at the championship. Fourteen teams competed in the finals, held at the City-County Building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“We are incredibly proud that Stetson’s students were named best in the nation in this competition,” said Associate Professor Michele Joiner, trial advocacy coordinator and trial team adviser at Stetson. “At Stetson, we are dedicated to training the whole advocate, and it is an honor to be recognized for our commitment to the fine art of trial advocacy.”

Professor Joiner and alumnus Shaun Cummings ’14 coached the Stetson team.

Robert Peirce & Associates and the American Association for Justice hosted the competition.

Stetson University College of Law has ranked number one in trial advocacy 17 times since U.S. News & World Report began rankings in 1995.

L-R: Kyle Ross, Phylicia Pearson, Brooke Batton Charlan and Stanton Fears.

L-R: Kyle Ross, Phylicia Pearson, Brooke Batton Charlan and Stanton Fears.

Visit www.stetson.edu/law/advocacy to learn more about advocacy at Stetson.

Watch this video of the award-winning trial team practicing for the competition: