Training the Next Generation of Litigators

UIC Law Professor provide legal writing support through the Writing Resource Center

Students a part of the UIC Law Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution program compete in various competitions both nationally and internationally. These competitions challenge participants to master every aspect of trial practice, from opening statements and cross-examinations, to closing arguments and dispute resolution strategies and skills.

With each competition, our students have the opportunity to work collaboratively as part of a team and refine their litigation techniques under the guidance of experienced coaches.

UIC Law Trial Fundamentals Skills Workshop: The Evidence Intensive

The mission of the Writing Resource Center (WRC) is to increase the writing skills of UIC Law students through a series of workshops, writing bootcamps, and individual and specialized coaching sessions.

Learn more about the Trial Advocacy & Dispute Resolution Honors Board and Council

Fall 2025 Competition Highlights

Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution - Fall 2025

Competitions: 10 | Teams: 8 | Students: 27 | Coaches: 20

Competitions included:
  • Stetson’s National Pretrial Competition
  • Illinois National Client Counseling and Advising Competition
  • The National Trial League
  • Peter James Johnson Memorial Civil Rights Trial Competition
  • Buffalo-Niagara Mock Trial Competition

Best Advocate

Grace Pukala

Grace Pukala
Trial By Fire Competition

First Place

Carmen Ablorh & Jessica Omere

Carmen Ablorh & Jessica Omere
Negotiation Classic Competition

Best Opening

Caitlyn Asama

Caitlyn Asama
Negotiation Classic Competition

Best Advocate

Taylor McEvily

Taylor McEvily
National Trial League Competition

Spring 2025 Competition Highlights

Trial Advocacy and Dispute Resolution - Spring 2025

Competitions: 9 | Teams: 12 | Students: 35 | Coaches: 23

Competitions included:
  • Constance Baker Motely Trial Competition
  • American Association for Justice Student Trial Competition
  • Texas Young Lawyers National Trial Competition
  • American Bar Association Client Counseling Competition
  • Shark Beach Showdown
Team Results:
  • Semifinalists: ABA Representation in Mediation Competition
  • Semifinalists: ABA Client Counseling Competition
  • Quarterfinalists: Constance Baker Motely Trial Competition

Best Advocate

Grace Pukala

Georgia Booth
Texas Young Lawyers National Trial Competition

Semifinalists

Liam Driscoll, Sadie Embser, Bianca Gruzmark & Richard Lee

Liam Driscoll, Sadie Embser, Bianca Gruzmark & Richard Lee
AAJ Trial Competition

Best Opening

John DeFranco

John DeFranco
Shark Beach Showdown Competition

UIC Law Bradley Cosgrove 1L Mock Trial & Dispute Resolution Competition

This competition provides first-year students with an introduction to the UIC Law Trial Advocacy Program. Students may participate in either or both competitions and will have access to a student coach who will teach basic skills. The Dispute Resolution Competition involves negotiating a simple dispute. The Trial Competition involves trying a criminal case, with students playing both advocates and witnesses.

Best Advocate

Tikia Travis

Tikia Travis
Negotiation Competition

First Place

Rachel Brooks & Jacee Espinoza

Rachel Brooks & Jacee Espinoza
Negotiation Competition

Best Advocate

Faiza Shareef

Faiza Shareef
Negotiation Competition

UIC Law Trial Fundamentals Skills Workshop: The Evidence Intensive

The UIC Law Trial Advocacy Program hosted a Trial Skills Fundamentals Workshop focused on the rules and application of evidence in trial practice. Led by UIC Law alumnus and Trial Advocacy coach Jaime Santana, the interactive session provided students with hands-on training in evidentiary techniques and strategies, helping them strengthen their courtroom skills and confidence.