Three national competitions, three impressive finishes, and a growing legacy of excellence in trial advocacy.
Chapman University Fowler School of Law’s Mock Trial Program has opened the 2026–2027 competition season with an extraordinary series of achievements, earning two finalist finishes, one semifinalist finish, and numerous individual and team honors across three national competitions. From hosting a distinguished competition in Kennedy Hall to competing against some of the nation’s strongest law schools in San Francisco and Florida, Fowler Law’s student advocates have demonstrated outstanding preparation, professionalism, and courtroom skill. Their recent successes reflect not only the strength of Fowler Law’s advocacy program but also the dedication and perseverance of the students and coaches behind it.
First Chair National Competition
The season began with Fowler Law hosting the First Chair National Mock Trial Competition, welcoming teams from across the country to Kennedy Hall. Representing Chapman, Cora Kirschbaum (3L) and Estera Boca (2L) advanced through six preliminary rounds, defeated UC Berkeley in the semifinals, and ultimately finished as national finalists.Their performance was accompanied by a remarkable collection of honors: Kirschbaum received the Overall Best Advocate Award, Coach Kalista McCauley (JD ’22) earned Best Judge, and Fowler Law was named Most Professional Team, marking the program’s third consecutive year receiving a professionalism award from fellow competitors. Reflecting on the experience, Kirschbaum shared,
“We were surrounded by some of the best trial advocacy schools in the nation, so when we heard our names announced as semifinalists, then finalists, followed by the individual and team awards, we were overwhelmed by a mix of shock and gratitude. I remember sitting in the courtroom before our final round and thinking, ‘Whatever happens, I 
am just so grateful to be sitting in this room right now.’”
National Flash Trial Competition
Fowler Law’s momentum continued in San Francisco at the National Flash Trial Competition, where students Audrey Lesser (2L) and JJ Weith (2L) made a strong showing in the program’s debut at the invitation-only event. Unlike traditional mock trial competitions, Flash Trial required competitors to navigate five separate case files over a single weekend, with less than an hour to prepare for each. Under the guidance of Coach Joe Kahn (JD ’25), the pair defeated Baylor University and the University of Denver before advancing to the semifinals. In addition to their semifinalist finish, the team earned second place for Most Professional Team, while Weith received the Outstanding Oral Advocate Award.
“Competing in this style for the very first time was a massive learning curve,” Lesser reflected. “My teammate and I were completely thrilled to be named semifinalists and to receive honors for professionalism and advocacy. Earning these recognitions in our very first law school competition was an unforgettable, deeply rewarding experience.”
National Pretrial Competition
Most recently, Fowler Law’s advocates traveled to Gulfport, Florida, for the National Pretrial Competition, hosted by Stetson University. The invitation-only tournament brought together 16 teams nationwide for the country’s only competition combining mock trial and moot court advocacy. Representing Fowler Law were Taylor York (3L), Alice Markman (3L), Hooriya Shaghasi (3L), and Faith Clark (2L), coached by Fowler alumna Katie Robinson (JD ’21). The team entered the elimination rounds as the No. 1 seed, maintained that ranking throughout the tournament, and secured five consecutive victories, including wins over Houston, Tulane, and Baylor, before finishing as national finalists for the second consecutive year. York also earned a Best Advocate Award during the preliminary rounds. For Clark, the experience represented a personal milestone.
“Going into my very first mock trial competition as the only 2L on a team of incredibly talented 3Ls, I couldn’t help but question whether I was capable of performing at the same level. But with each round, my confidence grew as I learned to trust in my preparation and abilities. Finishing as national finalists meant so much more to me than the title. It reminded me of why I chose to pursue a career in law in the first place and gave me a sense of confidence and belonging that I hadn’t quite found until that moment. I will forever be grateful for a weekend that reaffirmed my passion for advocacy and reminded me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.”
All in all, it’s been an award-winning start to the season for the Trial Advocacy Program at Fowler Law, currently ranked 27th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Professor John Bishop, Competitions Director, credits strong institutional and alumni support for the team’s early success.
“From the admissions team’s hard work enrolling these excellent students to the alumni who come back to support them, the Chapman community is exceptional,” Bishop said. “It’s a privilege to send so many talented students to so many important competitions, and to have the support of Dean Antony Page, Fowler Law’s excellent staff and facilities, and, most of all, great coaches like Katie, Joe, and Kalista.”
Faith Clark is a 2L at Fowler Law. She is a member of the Mock Trial team.
