Law school’s moot court team repeats win at national competition

For the second year in a row, Liberty University School of Law took home top honors at the 12th annual Leroy R. Hassell, Sr. National Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition held at Regent University, Oct. 26-27.

The competition included 16 teams from 11 schools who competed in a simulated federal circuit court in front of prominent local and national judges and attorneys. They presented arguments on the constitutionality of forcing religiously affiliated private colleges to supply access to birth control and abortion services, part of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). The case that was argued was similar to three cases that are currently being litigated on the subject.

The Liberty team of Julia Amato and Michael Levens won first place and an award for fifth Best Brief. They defeated teams from Ave Maria University, St. Louis University, William & Mary, and posted two wins over Florida Coastal and the University of Richmond to finish with a perfect 7-0 record.

Levens was also named the Best Oralist; Amato was the Fourth Best Oralist.

Mathew Staver, dean of Liberty University School of Law, said the results of the competition reflect the quality of the education at Liberty.

“This is a national competition against a number of skilled teams. Winning a national competition is a significant achievement and a high honor. To repeat as national champions with a completely different team illustrates the depth of talent and the success of the moot court program at Liberty,” Staver said.

The teams were coached by professors Scott Thompson and Tim Todd, who worked hard to make sure the teams were ready to compete.

Staver said to the team, “You make us very proud. Your success reflects on the law school and brings glory to our Lord. As you succeed, we all succeed.”