Minnesota Law Shines at ABA Moot Court Regional Competition, Advances to National Rounds for the First Time in 20 Years

Two teams of Minnesota Law students performed exceptionally well at the ABA’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC), held in Los Angeles, California, from February 20 to 23, 2025. Both teams advanced past the preliminary rounds for the first time in over a decade, with one team reaching the final round and the other advancing to the national competition. This marks the first time Minnesota Law sent a team to the national rounds of the ABA's NAAC in nearly twenty years.

The team that advanced to the national rounds represented the Respondent and included Nathan Barry ’25, Mark Hager ’25, and Robin Willis ’25. Nathan Barry was recognized as the second-best oralist at the regional competition.

The team representing the Petitioner advanced to the final round, just missing the opportunity to proceed to the national rounds. This team included Annemarie Foy ’26, Tristen Lindell ’26, and Bill Yang ’25. Annemarie Foy was acknowledged as the fifth-best oralist, while Tristen Lindell earned recognition as the sixth-best oralist at the regional competition.

Hazel Bowen ’21, Chad Pennington ’15, and Lani Rodgers (Lewis + Clark Law School) coached the teams. All three coaches competed on moot court teams during law school.

"From the very first moment we began working with these students, I knew this would be an exciting moot court season,” says Coach Rodgers. “Each student impressed me in their own way, but when they came together as a team, they were extraordinary! Both teams stood out at the competition and have much to be proud of. I look forward to seeing them compete at the national rounds in April!"