The students at The University of Akron School of Law are accustomed to defeating other law schools in trial advocacy competitions. Akron Law consistently ranks among the best in the country in oral advocacy. But on Saturday, Akron Law students went head-to-head against each other to determine who is the best trial advocate at the 2012 Akron Law Intramural Trial Competition.
The advocates tried a difficult and complicated hypothetical case involving injuries caused by a bar bouncer to an intoxicated patron. After three rounds of competition, third- year students Elliott Lewis and Nicholas McGroarty took the championship. They narrowly defeated third-year students Brandon Trent and Corey Grimm in a riveting final round. The other semifinalists included students Michael Karst, Jon Sauline, Colin Wise, and Kassim Ahmed.
The trial lawyers of Tzangas Plakas, Mannos & Raies, Ltd. judged the qualifying rounds of the competition, with Judge Edward O’Farrell of the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas presiding. Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas presided over the final round. This was the fifth year of the competition, which was held at the Akron Municipal Court.
“The Intramural Trial Competition provides not only an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Akron Law students, but also an occasion to remember the value of efficient and effective trial skills,” said Attorney David Dingwell of Tzangas Plakas, an Akron Law Alumni. “We are proud to show our ongoing commitment to the law school and the competition, and congratulate each of the participants for their hard work and dedication to the art of trial advocacy.”
The competition was a resounding success, with over 30 Akron Law students participating. To date, Tzangas Plakas has donated over $15,000 in its sponsorship of the Akron Law School Intramural Trial Competition.
For more information, contact Tzangas Plakas at (330) 455-6112 or visit www.lawlion.com.