Baylor Law Team Wins National Moot Court Competition with Coaching Support from DP&S’ Shelby White

Durham, Pittard & Spalding congratulates Baylor University School of Law students Phillip Ackermann and Rachel Medina for taking top prize at the 30th annual Burton Wechsler First Amendment Moot Court Competition, hosted by American University Washington College of Law.

We’re especially proud of our own Shelby White, who took time out of her busy appellate practice to travel with the Baylor team to Washington, D.C., and serve as their coach throughout the competition. Her guidance, preparation, and support played an important role in helping the students excel at one of the nation’s premier First Amendment advocacy contests.

This year’s competition brought together 33 teams from law schools across the country to argue a complex hypothetical case involving the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment. Competitors were required to draft appellate briefs and present multiple rounds of oral argument. For the final round, Phillip and Rachel argued before Judge Timothy Dyk of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Judge Reggie Walton of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and Judge Loren AliKhan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

At Durham, Pittard & Spalding, we are committed to supporting the next generation of legal minds. Moot court programs play a vital role in developing the written and oral advocacy skills that are essential to becoming an effective appellate lawyer.

Congratulations again to Phillip, Rachel, and Baylor University School of Law on an outstanding achievement.