Holy Cross Student Finishes First in National Moot Court Tournament

WORCESTER, Mass. – College of the Holy Cross student Katherine Andrew ’11, of West Hartford, Conn., finished first in the individual competition at this year's American Collegiate Moot Court Association (AMCA) championships, held at Florida International University School of Law in Miami, Fla., on January 15 and 16.

Competing against 128 students on 64 teams from 21 colleges and universities, Andrew averaged 393 points out of a possible 400, the highest average in ACMA history. Her win marked the second time in three years that a Holy Cross student took home the top award.

Holy Cross had eight students compete on four teams in the national tournament, after advancing from the regional competition last fall.  Other top finishers for Holy Cross include Cara Howe ’10, of Shrewsbury, Mass., who finished eighth overall; and Mark Weyland ’12, of Silver Spring, Md., who came in 10th.  Their success made Holy Cross the most decorated program at the national tournament.

“I think Holy Cross’ success in moot court can be attributed to the encouraging and motivational nature of the team,” said Andrew. The support and enthusiasm from each team member makes it possible for us to compete confidently knowing that in the end we will always share in one another’s success.”

Also competing were Erin Barrett ’10, of South Windsor, Conn.; Elizabeth Conway ’10, of Dedham, Mass.; Molly Delaney ’10, of Cornwall, N.Y.; Katelyn Henmueller ’12, of Nashua, N.H.; and Christina Pashou ’12, of Shrewsbury, Mass.

“We knew we had the potential to field several strong teams after last year, when some of the younger students did so well in their first year of competitions,” said Scott Sandstrom, associate professor of accounting, who serves as faculty advisor to the Moot Court.  “Both Katherine Andrew and Mark Weyland were new to the process and they were great as a team.  The captains, Liz Conway and Cara Howe, did an outstanding job working with our coach in preparing the teams.  That preparation was the key to our success.”

Moot Court is appellate argument. Unlike Mock Trial which emphasizes legal procedure, strategy decisions, and clarity of presentation, Moot Court tests substantive law. Students must master the nexus of dozens of cases and be able to answer to judges who challenge their application of legal rules or principles.