For release: February 1, 2011
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

For the second consecutive year, a team from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has advanced to the national finals of the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial tournament. The U of M team recently finished a close second in the regional competition, sponsored by the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA).

The U of M defeated teams from the University of North Carolina, Samford University, the University of Miami, and Faulkner University to reach the national finals. 

U of M team members are Joseph McKinney, Chandra Madison, Angela Harris, and LaChina Algers. They were coached by Associate University Counsel Melanie Murry, aided by recent law graduate Bridgett Stigger.

Mock trial team members are, left to right, Joseph McKinney, Angela Harris, Chandra Madison, and LaChina Algers.

The U of M team will compete in the national finals March 9-13 in Houston. The top three teams from each of the six NBLSA regions will vie for the national title.

“We’re thrilled that Memphis is returning to the national finals and wish them the best of luck,” said Barbara Kritchevsky, director of advocacy. “The School greatly appreciates the effort that Chandra, Joseph, LaChina, Angela, and their coaches have put into this.”

Eighteen teams participated in the regional competition. The Southern Region, the largest region of the NBLSA, includes schools from Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico.

In a mock trial, teams conduct a simulated trial based on a set problem, calling witnesses and addressing the jury. Students must be prepared to argue for the prosecution or the defense.