19th National Trial Advocacy Competition comes to Detroit

The State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section (SBM YLS) hosted the 19th Annual National Trial Advocacy Competition (NTAC) at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on November 2-4.

Fifteen teams comprised of law students from around the country came together to compete for the title of NTAC champion. Beginning with three preliminary rounds, fifteen teams were reduced to four for the semifinal round. Two teams advanced to the finals with the University of Illinois emerging as the winner over the University of Akron. Attorneys and judges from around the metro Detroit area and throughout the state were recruited to judge. SBM YLS has continued the NTAC program, which had originated with Michigan State University, for the last four years. Previously in Ingham and Oakland counties, 2018 was the first year SBM YLS brought NTAC to Detroit. NTAC co-directors Kristina Bilowus and Christopher Wickman noted that the support and assistance from CAYMC staff was incredibly helpful and instrumental to the success of the program. The collegiality, mingling of students from around the country, and high-level trial skills are some of the highlights of the program. Wickman and Bilowus indicated they hope to bring the program back next year and generate even more interest.