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University of Memphis law students under the direction of Associate Dean Barbara Kritchevsky have advanced to the national finals of the American Bar Association's National Appellate Advocacy Competition. Jennifer Bellott and Michael Goodin swept through the New York regional competition with a perfect record, defeating St. John's, New York Law School, Temple, Miami, and SUNY-Buffalo. Bellott was also named second best oral advocate in the region.

“I couldn't be happier for Jennifer and Michael," said Kritchevsky. “They've been working tirelessly on this project since last December. They're both incredibly talented, and I'm glad to see them get the recognition they deserve. It's also great recognition for the law school."

Bellott, a Memphian, earned her undergraduate degree from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Goodin, from Vicksburg, Miss., graduated from Mississippi College in Jackson, Miss.

Approximately 180 teams from around the country entered the competition. More than 30 teams competed with the U of M in the regional competition. The top four teams from each of six regions will move on to the national finals, which will be held April 3-5 in Chicago. Joining Memphis as the representatives from the New York regionals are Brooklyn, Harvard, and Seton Hall.

The contest emphasizes the development of oral advocacy skills through a realistic appellate advocacy experience. Competitors participate in a hypothetical appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court by writing a 40-page brief as either respondent or petitioner, then arguing the case in front of the mock court.