The Mercer University School of Law advocacy teams delivered a remarkable fall 2025 competition season marked by national championships, consistent top-tier performances, and widespread individual and team success. Competing in 14 national competitions and earning awards in 13, Mercer Law advocates demonstrated exceptional preparation, resilience and excellence at the highest levels of advocacy.
These collective achievements culminated in Mercer Law earning fourth place in the national Gavel Rankings, affirming the program’s place among the elite advocacy programs in the country. Mercer Law is one of only two schools nationwide to maintain a top-five Gavel ranking in both the fall and spring semesters for the past three years, reflecting sustained excellence across all advocacy disciplines.
Among the season’s most notable achievements were two national championships: the William Daniel Mock Trial Competition and the Michigan National Trial Advocacy Competition. These victories bring Mercer Law’s total to seven national championships in the past 3 1/2 years. Students had just three weeks of preparation for the William Daniel Mock Trial Competition, making the win particularly impressive and marking the second time Mercer Law has captured that title. The Michigan National Trial Advocacy Championship was earned by a team of second-year law students who delivered a standout performance, defeating Harvard University in the semifinal round on their way to the national title.
Mercer Law teams also advanced to the national finals in all three regional competitions they entered — ABA Arbitration, ABA Negotiations and the National Moot Court Competition. In addition, Mercer Law reached the semifinals of two of the most competitive tournaments in the country — the Tournament of Champions and the Fordham Kelly Trial Competition — and advanced to the quarterfinals of the prestigious Emory Moot Court Competition.
Individual excellence further distinguished the season. Mercer Law advocates earned five Best Advocate awards across four competitions and secured two brief awards, including Best Brief at the National Moot regional competition.
Beyond competition success, the Mercer Law advocacy program demonstrated leadership within the advocacy community by hosting three major tournaments during the fall: Allstar Mock Trial, ABA Arbitration and the National Moot Court Competition. Mercer Law students also supported recruiting and outreach efforts by serving as guest evaluators for undergraduate competitions at Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University.
“I am incredibly proud of the hard work that the advocacy students and coaches devote to each practice and each competition,” said Karen J. Sneddon, dean of the School of Law. “The fall 2025 season results and recognitions would not have been possible without hours of practice by talented students who have been guided and supported by dedicated classmates, coaches, staff and faculty. Earning national championships, achieving a top five Gavel ranking, and producing sustained successes at the highest level of competition underscores Mercer Law’s commitment to preparing practice-ready lawyers who lead with integrity and professionalism.”
The season’s success was achieved under the direction of Assistant Dean of Advocacy Katie Powers, LAW ’09, and Associate Director of Advocacy Lauren James, LAW ’21, who will be promoted to director of advocacy, effective Jan. 1.
“This season reflects the culture of excellence our students have built through preparation, resilience and professionalism, their results are the product of our motto, “Hard work betrays none,” said Powers. “Their success across so many highly competitive national tournaments further solidifies that Mercer Law is a premier training ground for advocates.”
James added, “Our students approach every competition with discipline, teamwork and an unwavering commitment to growth. Seeing that work culminate in national championships, individual awards and a top-five national ranking is incredibly rewarding — and we’re just getting started.”
Mercer Law advocacy teams have a long history of success in national competitions due to the hard work and diligence of students, coaches and faculty members. With experienced, practicing attorneys serving as instructors and coaches, Mercer Law advocacy students are well-equipped to succeed both in competitions and their future legal careers.
The fall 2025 season stands as another defining chapter in Mercer Law’s tradition of advocacy excellence and further solidifies the program’s reputation as a national leader in advocacy education.
