Campus News

UK Rosenberg Law Students Advance to National Competition

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Four UK students in courtroom
Detail of MWBLSA Award

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 3, 2020) — University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law students Asia Ellis, Anthony Franklin, Taylor Kennedy and Toria Levy recently earned second place at the Midwest Black Law Student Association (BLSA) Constance Baker Motley Trial Competition held in Indianapolis.

The team’s second place finish secures them a spot in the upcoming National BLSA Mock Trial Competition in March. The team felt prepared for and confident during the competition because of their coursework at UK Rosenberg Law.

“In preparation for this case, I earned practical experience preparing a witness for trial, filing motions and creating a persuasive theory of the case to get a ruling in my favor,” Asia Ellis said. “This competition also helped me apply the different concepts my professors have taught me in the last two years to be a successful attorney in the future.”

The Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition is one of six regional competitions hosted by the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA) and one of the most highly regarded mock trial competitions for law students nationwide.

Students felt immense support from university and college staff in advance of the competition.

“Our coaches Ron Walker and Gerry Harris have been instrumental in this process as have the members of the John Rowe Chapter, with some donating money and giving up their Saturdays to come listen to us practice our trials and provide feedback,” said Taylor Kennedy.

“There were so many faculty members and alumni that were involved in helping us prepare for the competition," Ellis said. "They made sure we had the necessary supplies and tools to be adequately prepared to be successful.” 

Additional local attorneys who assisted in preparing the students included John McNeil, Carlos Ross, Daniel Whitley and others.

During the competition, rounds simulate a trial proceeding in which each team, made up of four members, offers opening statements, directs and cross-examines witnesses alongside closing arguments. Participants are evaluated on distinguished criteria: overall courtroom presence, command of the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, team work, timeliness and accuracy of objections.

The national competition will see the top three placing teams from each of the six regional competitions face off for first place honors.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.