
Trial Team
If you're passionate about litigation and thrive under pressure, the CWSL Trial Team offers the ultimate opportunity to develop your courtroom skills and compete on a national stage.
Sharpening Skills for Real Courtrooms
Our team participates in regional and national trial advocacy competitions that
simulate every aspect of a real jury trial. Students take on the roles of attorneys
and witnesses, presenting opening statements, examining and cross-examining witnesses,
introducing evidence, and delivering persuasive closing arguments.
In preparation for each competition, team members train for weeks alongside seasoned
trial attorneys and CWSL alumni who serve as dedicated coaches. These practices are
intensive and hands-on, focusing on courtroom strategy, evidentiary mastery, and effective
oral advocacy.
Participation on the team not only sharpens your litigation skills — it connects you
with a network of attorneys, builds your confidence, and sets you apart in the job
market from day one.
Competitions
Our Trial Team represents California Western in local and national tournaments, competing against law schools from across the country and around the world. Students work closely in small teams, guided by experienced faculty, alumni, and local attorneys, to prepare for each round. Through this collaborative, hands-on training, our students sharpen their advocacy skills in real-world settings.
Competitions We Attend
San Diego Defense Lawyers National Competition
This competition offers law students the chance to argue both plaintiff and defense roles in a civil case before judges and attorneys in San Diego Superior Court. The competition recognizes top teams and individual excellence in key trial skills like opening statements, examinations, and closing arguments.
STAC AAJ Competition
This competition is a premier nationwide tournament that highlights the skills of top future trial lawyers through regional and national rounds. Winning teams earn the opportunity to attend AAJ’s Annual Convention, including a Master Skills workshop and special events, fully sponsored by ACT of Communication.
TYLA National Trial Competition
This competition provides law students with hands-on trial experience and interaction with legal professionals. Administered by the Texas Young Lawyers Association, NTC attracts over 150 law schools annually and aims to develop the next generation of skilled trial advocates.
Recent Success
The CWSL Trial Team continues to excel on the national stage, earning recognition for their talent, preparation, and professionalism. Since 2020:
Notable Finishes
- 2025 UC Davis MLK, Jr. Civil Rights Trial Competition – Semi-Finalist
- 2024 ABTL Champions
- 2024 The Premiere National Competition Semi-Finalist; Best Advocate Award – Akeel Najimudeen
- 2024 Octofinalist – South Texas Mock Trial Challenge
- 2023 The Premiere National Competition – 3rd Place
- 2022 AAJ Regional Finalist
- 2022 CACJ National Competition Top 8
- 2022 TYLA Regional Finalist
- 2021 All Star National Challenge Semi-Finalist; Outstanding Advocate Award - Hannah Bushyeager
- 2021 AAJ Regional Semi-Finalist
- 2021 ABTL 2nd Place
- 2020 ABTL Champions
Our Teams
2025 – 2026
- Akeel Najimudeen
- Alexa Acuna
- Alexis Calkin
- Andres Barron
- Antonio di Donato
- Ashlyn Plant
- Caleb Morales
- Christian Peralta
- Daniela Ulloa
- Diego Sotelo
- Emil Onanian
- Jessica Zaki
- Kendall Decker
- Lauren Gallagher
- Madison Motsenbocker
- Najeeb Alrashdan
- Rodrigo Vela
- Sadaam Yousufzai
- Savannah Rodriguez
- Solomon Malcolm
- Judge James Mangione – Adjunct Professor
- Chris Lee, ‘16 – Adjunct Professor
- Daniel Korchnoy, ‘18 – Adjunct Professor
- Anthony Esquibel
- Anthony Hernandez
- Anthony Vargas
- Broc Newman
- Emma Van Ginneken
- Samantha Tumminello
- Summer Shafer
2024 – 2025
- Akeel Najimudeen
- Ashlyn Plant
- Brenda Sanchez
- Brenda Virrey
- Cruz Salas
- Daniella Smigielski
- Danielle Sanderlin
- Dante Thorn
- Erika Pichardo-Ley
- Jack Hathaway
- Juan Ortiz
- Kendall Decker
- Kirstin Rosa
- Lexi Vander Linden
- Luke Turner
- Marianne Name
- Marie Redoutey
- Natalie Thomas
- Sage Gray
- Samantha Sepulveda
- Sammy Pirozzi
- Sargena Warda
- Savannah Rodriguez
- Stephanie Haumschild
- Sierra Henrichsen
- Riley Wagstaff
- Jonathan Levy
- Brenda Virrey
- Alexander Kent
- Steven Lara
- Tanner Hoyle
- William Wang
- Judge James Mangione – Adjunct Professor
- Micaela De La Cerda, ‘15 – Adjunct Professor
- Ashley Sanchez, ‘18 – Adjunct Professor
- Dan Korchnoy, ‘18 – Adjunct Professor
- Anthony Esquibel, ‘17
- Anthony Vargas, ‘17
- Javier Rios, ‘17
- Danica Wahl, ‘18
- Adam Bucci, ‘19
- Melissa Owens, ‘19
- Broc Newman, ‘20
- Summer Shafer, ‘20
- Ash Kargaran, ‘21
- Samantha Tumminello, ‘21
- Sara Bloch, ‘21
- Anthony Hernandez, ‘22
- Emma Van Ginneken, ‘23
- Carder Chan
Trial Team
For more information about our Trial Team, on-campus competitions, or the Competitive Advocacy Program, please email us at JavaScript Required.
San Diego, CA 92101