Memphis Injury Lawyer Blog

I had said that the blogging hiatus had ended. Little did I know the enormous time commitment that being a coach of a competition level college mock trial team would demand. By this I do not mean only my time, but far more importantly, the time that these young men and women would devote to this important work. The work is important not just for trophies and accolades. Rather, the true significance is the preparation for a life in trial law that is the product of this program. The students spend hours each week (I would estimate in excess of 20 hours) learning the Rules of Evidence; how to conduct direct and cross examinations; the customs of propriety in the courtroom; and the other "rules of the road" which exist in this small area of specialization.

The team has traveled from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. to compete against other college teams from the likes of Columbia, UCLA, Arizona, The Air Force Academy, Missouri, and Miami. What began in August is now culminating in the AMTA National Championship competition which is being held in Memphis this year and is being hosted by Rhodes College. Over 600 colleges and universities and in excess of 10,000 participants has been narrowed to 48 teams that will do battle as either the prosecution or defense side of a conspiracy to murder trial. After 4 rounds of preliminary trials, on Sunday evening the last 2 teams left standing will seek the title of THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS for the coming year.

The 20 plus men and women that I have had the honor to coach at one time or another this year in the Rhodes College Mock Trial Program have exceeded my highest expectations. Through grit and tenacity, Rhodes has clawed its way to a berth in this ultimate challenge. whether or not we become this year's champs in the eyes of others is of no consequence. For me, each and every one of these incredibly talented "mockers" already wear the badge of success. They have proven through time and competition that they possess the right stuff. I am humbled by not only their potential but their passion. Bravo to them one and all.

National Championship Tournament
Memphis, Tennessee

FRIDAY (April 16th)

12:00 Registration, BCLC Ballroom, Rhodes College
1:00 All-Group Meeting, BCLC Ballroom
2:00 Captains’ Meeting, BCLC Ballroom
3:00 Judges’ Meeting, Shelby County Court Houses
4:00 ROUND ONE, Shelby County Court Houses

7:00 Judges’ and Coaches’ Reception, Burch, Porter & Johnson Law Firm

SATURDAY (April 17th)

8:30 Captains’ and Judges’ Meetings, Shelby County Court Houses
9:30 ROUND TWO, Shelby County Court Houses
1:30 Captains’ and Judges’ Meetings, Shelby County Court Houses
2:30 ROUND THREE, Shelby County Court Houses
6:00 Student Reception w/ food, University of Memphis Law School

8:00 Rhodes Alum Reception, Marty and Chesney McAfee Residence

SUNDAY (April 18th)

8:30 Captains’ and Judges’ Meetings, Shelby County Court Houses
9:30 ROUND FOUR, Shelby County Court Houses
1:00 Awards Luncheon, Silky Sullivan’s (183 Beale Street)
4:00 NATIONAL FINAL ROUND, University of Memphis Law School

For those of you who may follow this ongoing conversation about the law, you may have noticed that I have taken an extended break from publication of new items on this blog. As with any busy professional, my professional life when joined with my personal life is often quite hectic. Also, I have chosen to approach my writing as a serious avocation. This has resulted in many hours of research and writing in order to try and produce a meaningful dialogue.

It surprised me how intellectually and professionally challenging this process had become. As a result, I took a break. I focused on my personal and professional life and then assumed a new responsibility as one of the coaches for the Rhodes College Intercollegiate Mock Trial team. The Rhodes team has flourished under the direction of Dr. Marcus Pohlman and has produced four national championships and many All American team members.(orgs.rhodes.edu/mock)

This competition is based upon a constructed set of facts and law under the auspices of The American Mock Trial Association (www.collegemocktrial.org).This organization was founded in 1985 by Dean Richard Calkins of Drake Law School. AMTA serves as the governing body for intercollegiate mock trial competition. Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures. AMTA sponsors regional and national-level competitions, as well as providing interesting and complex case materials for academic use. AMTA also sponsors mediation simulation tournaments.

These young people most of whom aspire to becoming members of the bar are nothing short of amazing. Their dedication and enthusiasm is inspirational to me. It is amazing to work with college students on things such as how to present a case at trial or the Rules of Evidence and to observe that their skill level surpasses some practicing attorneys that I know. In April of 2010, the National Intercollegiate Mock Trial Championships are going to be held here in Memphis. The best and the brightest of these collegiate teams (U. C. L. A.; Harvard; Columbia; Stanford, by way of example only) will, beginning this month, begin competing for slots at the national tournament in April.

Hosting a national tournament of over 60 teams is no small undertaking. Undertaking to coach and guide future attorneys is, in my opinion, a way to give back to a profession that has been very good to me for over 30 years.

It is my intention to update the progress of the Rhodes College Mock Trial Team from the upcoming invitational tournaments through what will hopefully be a position in the National Championship tournament in Memphis. Allow me to say at this point in time, whether or not these young men and women are extended a bid to the national championship does not matter to me. The hard work, energy and sacrifice that these college students are exhibiting indicates to me that they are already champions.