The competition, hosted by the Syracuse University College of Law, featured eight teams from across the country. It introduces law students with an interest in military justice and the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps to the trial process in military courts and is judged by JAG officers, veterans and military judges from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. This is the first year of the competition, and it is the first intercollegiate trial advocacy competition to address the unique challenges of military law.

The UMKC team was made up of students Isabella Crutchfield, Addison Haynes, Joe Scholten and Joe Skojac. The team was coached by UMKC Law School Advocacy Fellow Alexandria Serra and former Army JAG officer Pace Jaworski. 

Over six rounds, the team tried a full court-martial case under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Rules for Courts-Martial. Teams tried both sides of the case, acting as both trial counsel and trial defense service attorney. 

In addition to their championship, two UMKC students were recognized with individual honors. Joe Scholten was awarded "Best Opening Statement" and Joe Skojac was awarded "Best Closing Argument."

"This was an outstanding opporutnity to connect with JAG officers, many of whom were on official orders scouting for the best and brightest future lawyers," Serra said. "Judges consistently remarked that the level of advocacy rivaled that of JAG officers in their first five years of practice. We're incredibly proud of our students for their composure, excellence and advocacy on a national stage."

Photo L-R: Joe Skojac, Joe Scholten, Isabella Crutchfield, Addison Haynes