The Loyola Trial Advocacy Team placed first in a nationally judged law competition earlier this month.

Nia Weeks, Karina Perez, Ryan Higgins and Dante Butler traveled to New Haven, Conn., and competed against other schools in the country at Quinnipiac University Law School, the host of this year’s event.

The competition consisted of a mock trial between two universities, with two students from each university representing either the prosecution or the defense. Each side presented opening statements, questioned two witnesses and closed with arguments.

The school with the strongest case won and proceeded on to the next round. Each winning school did not necessarily win the trial.

Loyola made it to the semi-final round along with Creighton University, Georgia State University and Fordham University. In the final round, Loyola went up against Fordham and pulled out a victory.

“I’m extremely proud of the trial advocacy students,” said Brian Bromberger, dean of the College of Law, in an official statement. “They came out on top against a very competitive group of schools.”

Trial Advocacy President Benjamin Lambert said the team’s next move is to go to the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice National Trial Competition, held in Chicago March 25 through March 27, where the last winning team is pronounced the national champion.

“There isn’t any sort of prize,” Lambert said. “What the team will get if they win the national competition is bragging rights.”

The competition strives to help law students make the transition from law school to the practice of law through the experience of presenting cases and handling clients.

Lambert said he was proud to be a part of making Loyola Law look good.

“Winning is a great accomplishment that reflects not only the program, but the law school as a whole,” Lambert said. “Winning this competition against some of the best schools in the country makes me very proud.”

Allison Baznik can be reached at [email protected]