Based on the performance of students in 2019-20 advocacy trial competitions, Syracuse University’s College of Law has risen to No. 7 in the nation in the Fordham University School of Law Trial Competition Performance Rankings, tied with Pacific McGeorge School of Law and University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Described as an “objective snapshot of achievement,” Fordham’s rankings measure a law school’s performance in intercollegiate trial competitions in each academic year, starting with 2016-17. Points are allocated for semifinal and better finishes in single tournament national competitions and major regionals.
Third-year law student Kenneth Knight (left) and Andrew Weekes L’20 compete in the finals of the College of Law’s 8th Annual Bond, Schoeneck & King Alternative Dispute Resolution Competition in 2019.
Syracuse’s seventh-place ranking comes after a notable year for the College of Law’s advocacy program. High-profile team and individual successes included winning the regionals of the National Moot Court Competition and the Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition; advancing two teams to the National Trial Competition; winning the New York State Tiffany Cup for the second year in a row; and invitations to the prestigious Top Gun and Tournament of Champions competitions.
Additionally, the College of Law hosted three intercollegiate competitions in fall 2019, including the first annual Syracuse National Trial Competition.
“Our students delivered great results throughout the year, and their hard work and superb trial skill are recognized in our top 10 national ranking,” says Professor Todd Berger, faculty director of advocacy programs. “Volunteer coaches are a big part of our success. I am deeply grateful to our alumni and friends who take time out of their busy schedules to teach our students how to be the best advocates they can be, preparing them not only for intense competition but for their careers as effective courtroom advocates for their clients.”
“Congratulations to Professor Berger, and above all, to the students and graduates of our stellar advocacy program and the Travis H.D. Lewin Advocacy Honors Society,” says Dean Craig M. Boise. “What a year it has been! Although not a complete measure of our entire program, our Trial Competition Performance rank rightly sheds a bright light on the sharp skills and unwavering dedication of our student competitors, as well as their coaches and supporters across the entire College of Law community.”
The high placement in the Fordham Law Trial Competition Performance Rankings is just the latest recognition of the College of Law’s renowned advocacy program. In its 2021 rankings, U.S. News & World Report places Syracuse’s Advocacy Program at No. 15 in the nation, up from 27th for 2020.
