Advocacy Excellence at California Western School of Law’s 2025 Bobbie Thyfault Appellate Moot Court Competition

SAN DIEGO (April 16, 2025) -- This month, California Western School of Law (CWSL) proudly hosted the 2025 Bobbie Thyfault Appellate Moot Court Competition—a powerful showcase of student advocacy, peer mentorship, and deep-rooted tradition. The competition honors Professor Emerita Roberta “Bobbie” Thyfault ’84, a beloved alumna whose had a profound influence on CWSL’s Competitive Advocacy Program (CAP), having coached the Jessup International Law Moot Court team for over 20 years. The recent renaming of the competition pays tribute to her decades of service and the powerful legacy she has built within the CWSL community.

What makes the Bobbie Thyfault Competition truly special is its integration of community support and real-world legal experience. Competitors are mentored by students from CAP’s National Championship teams, as well as alumni, local attorneys, and judges. The final rounds are judged by practicing professionals, offering students critical feedback from seasoned advocates in the field.

This year’s competition featured ten remarkable finalists: Tyler Basile 1L, Stephanie Sellars 1L, Dalia Hannosh 1L, Brooke Martin 1L, Henry Austin 1L, Kiah Norris 2L, Richard Fromdahl 1L, Will Arrett 2L, Luke Williams 1L, and Cristal Hernandez Moreno 3L. 

After an evening of compelling arguments, Luke Williams took home first  place, with Stephanie Sellars and Henry Austin earning second and third, respectively. Will Arrett, Tyler Basile, Richard Fromdahl, and Dalia Hannosh were honored as Distinguished Advocates.

“This competition was an incredible display of talent, preparation, and hard work from all participants,” said CAP’s Co-Directors J. Clayton Carr ‘13 and Katie A. Nagler ’14. “Their dedication and effort were truly inspiring.” 

The event was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Moot Court Honors Board Appellate Coordinators, Bailey Mejia 2L and Michelle Valania 3L.

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s competition. Through experiences like these, students are not just preparing for practice— they are joining a living legacy of excellence.

About California Western School of Law   
For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.