Donell Samuels and Stanley Tate win the 2013 Henry Doyle 2L/3L Moot Court Competition
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 7, 2013
CONTACT: David Ortez/713-364-4530
(Houston, Texas) … The Thurgood Marshall School of Law James M. Douglas: Board of Advocates is pleased to announce that Donell Samuels and Stanley Tate won the final round of the 2013 Henry Doyle Moot Court Competition.
After three days of participating in a competition open to all second and third-year students, Donell Samuels and Stanley Tate defeated Sean Darvishi and Raneca Henson. The State, represented by Samuels and Tate, successfully challenged the Court of Appeal’s decision to reverse the trial court’s judgment and remand the matter for a new trial by showing that the Defendant, Rodney Dantwon Brown, was assisted by counsel’s effective assistance and that the Defendant voluntarily, knowingly, and intentionally waived his constitutional rights. The Defendant, represented by Darvishi and Henson, failed to show that the Defendant’s constitutional rights were violated.
Henry E. Doyle (1910-1985), Associate Justice, was born in Austin, Texas, and was the first law graduate of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (formerly known as Texas State Negro University) in 1950 and was the first African-American appellate judge to serve on the First Court of Appeals of Texas in 1978.
The Board of Advocates is a student organization formed to promote the practice of effective trial and appellate advocacy by sponsoring all mock trials, moot courts, and other dispute-resolution competitions at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Donell Samuels, former Section Two student, is a 3L from Jamaica, who completed her bachelor of science degree at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, with a major in nursing. Stanley Tate, is a 3L from Chicago, Illinois, who completed his bachelor of science degree at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, Illinois with a major in management.
Sean Darvishi, former Section Three student, is a 2L from Columbus, Ohio, who completed his bachelor of science degree at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, with a major in multidisciplinary studies. Raneca Henson is a 2L from Dallas, Texas, who completed her bachelor of science degree at Texas A&M University with a major in Sociology.
For more information about the Board of Advocates, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events.
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Jimmy Olivas wins the 2013 Neal Speedon 1L Moot Court Competition
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 22, 2013
CONTACT: David Ortez/713-364-4530
(Houston, Texas) … The Thurgood Marshall School of Law James M. Douglas: Board of Advocates is pleased to announce that Jimmy Olivas won the final round of the 2013 Neal Speedon 1L Moot Court Competition.
After four days of participating in a competition open to all first-year students, Jimmy Olivas defeated Enriqueta Perez. The State, represented by Enriqueta Perez, challenged the Court of Appeal’s decision to reverse the trial court’s judgment and remand the matter for a new trial. Rodney Dantwon Brown, represented by Jimmy Olivas, was able to show that the Defendant’s constitutional rights were violated as a result of counsel’s ineffective assistance and that the Defendant did not voluntarily, knowingly, and intentionally waive his constitutional rights.
Mikahela “Neal” Speedon (1952-1986), law student, was diagnosed with cancer as a 1L and succumbed to the illness during his 2L year.
The Board of Advocates is a student organization formed to promote the practice of effective trial and appellate advocacy by sponsoring all mock trials, moot courts, and other dispute-resolution competitions at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Jimmy Olivas, is a 1L in Section Four from Odessa, Texas, who completed his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, with a major in political Science. Enriqueta Perez is a 1L in Section Two from San Antonio, Texas, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with a double-major in political science and english.
For more information about the Board of Advocates, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events.
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Sahrish Khan and Kendrick Lewis win the 2013 Catherine Halley Shaw 1L Mock Trial Competition
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 18, 2013
(Houston, Texas) … The Thurgood Marshall School of Law James M. Douglas: Board of Advocates is pleased to announce that Sahrish Khan and Kendrick Lewis won the final round of the 2013 Catherine Halley Shaw 1L Mock Trial Competition.
After four days of participating in a competition open to all first-year students, Sahrish Khan and Kendrick Lewis defeated Kaylie Tucker and Breanne Vannest. The State, represented by Tucker and Vannest, charged Dominque Stevens with first degree murder. Dominique Stevens, represented by Khan and Lewis, were able to show the jury that the State failed to meet their burden.
Presiding Judge, Alyssa White, was joined by Julie Brock, Montina Carter, and Meahgan Dickerson as scoring judges.
Sahrish Khan, is a 1L in Section One from Karachi, Pakistan, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in political Science and economics with a senior thesis. Kendrack Lewis is a 1L in Section One from Houston, Texas, who completed his bachelor of arts degree at Texas Southern University with a major in political science.
Kaylie Tucker, is a 1L in Section One from Marengo, Iowa, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri with a major in communication. Breanne Vannest, is a 1L in Section One from Riverside, California, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at the University of California, San Diego in La Jolla, California with a major in psychology.
The winning team’s witnesses were Samantha Nguyen (1L-§1) and Ebonie Rocio (1L-§1). Witnesses for Tucker and Vannest were Gabriel “Gabby” Clarks (1L-§) and Alexandria Salas (1L-§1).
Catherine Halley Shaw (1984-2011), law student, was killed in a tragic hit-and-run motor vehicle accident during her 2L year at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The annual competition is named in her honor.
For more information about the Board of Advocates, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events
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John Paul Cedillo and David Ortez win the 2012 Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial Competition
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 10, 2012
(Houston, Texas) … The Thurgood Marshall School of Law James M. Douglas: Board of Advocates is pleased to announce that John Paul Cedillo and David Ortez won the final round of the 2012 Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial Competition.
After four days of participating in a competition open to all second- and third-year students, John Paul Cedillo and David Ortez defeated Ashley Cedillo and Javon Harris. The State, represented by A. Cedillo and Harris, charged James Tuma with first degree felony murder and second degree grand theft auto. James Tuma, represented by J.P. Cedillo and Ortez, was able to show the jury that the State failed to meet their burden.
Presiding Judge, Alia Moses, was joined by Geric L. Tipsword and Julie Rosemary Brock-Clure as scoring judges.
The Honorable District Judge Alia Moses sits on the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. Judge Moses is from Eagle Pass, Texas and completed her bachelor of business administration degree at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. Judge Moses completed her juris doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas and is a proud Longhorn. Judge Moses joined the court after being nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002.
Geric L. Tipsword and Julie Rosemary Brock-Clure. Tipsword was born in Phoenix, Arizona and completed his bachelor of business administration degree and master of arts degree from Ottawa University in Phoenix, Arizona. He completed his juris doctor degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Brock-Clure works for the Attorney General of the State of Texas and completed her juris doctor degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
John Paul Cedillo, former Section One student, is a 3L from Rosenberg, Texas via Austin, Texas, who completed his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin with a major in history and english. David Ortez, former Section One student, is a 3L from Houston, Texas, who completed his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Texas at Austin with a major in government. J.P. Cedillo and Ortez were 7 and 1 with the only defeat in 2011 final round of the Helen Dawn Williams Mock Trial Competition.
Ashley Cedillo, former Section Two student, is a 2L from Penitas, Texas, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at the University of Texas at Pan American in Edinburg, Texas with a major in philosophy, political science, and english. Javon Harris, former Section Two student, is a 2L from West Palm Beach, Florida, who completed his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida with a major in history.
The winning team’s witnesses were Ahad Khan (2L) and Frances Mbachu (3L). Witnesses for A. Cedillo and Harris were Anthony Washington (2L) and Rodolfo Franz (1L).
Helen Dawn Williams (1968-1993), law student, was murdered by an unknown assailant during her 3L year at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The annual competition is named in her honor.
For more information about the Board of Advocates, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events.
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Lydia Anderson and Andrea Arevalos win the 2012 Heman Marion Sweatt Client Counseling Competition
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
OCTOBER 20, 2012
(Houston, Texas) … The Thurgood Marshall School of Law James M. Douglas: Board of Advocates is pleased to announce that Lydia Anderson and Andrea Arevalos won the final round of the 2012 Heman Marion Sweatt Client Counseling Competition.
After an arduous four days of participating in a twelve-team competition, Lydia Anderson and Andrea Arevalos defeated Helen Ashegbeyeri and Caroline Ng. The Champion will advance to the ABA Regional Client Counseling Competition which will take place on February 16, 2013, at the University of Houston Law Center in Houston, Texas.
Heman Marion Sweatt (1912-1982), civil-rights plaintiff in Sweatt v. Painter, was born in Houston, Texas, and was denied admission to the University of Texas School of Law on the grounds that the Texas State Constitution prohibited integrated education.
The Board of Advocates is a student organization formed to promote the practice of effective trial and appellate advocacy by sponsoring all mock trials, moot courts, and other dispute-resolution competitions at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Lydia Anderson, former Section Three student, is a 3L from Spokane, Washington, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington with a major in criminal justice. Andrea Arevalos, former Section Three student, is a 3L from Corpus Christi, Texas, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas with a major in criminal justice and a minor in legal studies.
Helen Ashegbeyeri is a 1L in Section Two from Glendale, Arizona, who completed her bachelor of science degree at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas with a major in political science. Carolyn Ng is a 1L in Section Two from San Antonio, Texas, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina with a major in political science.
For more information about the Board of Advocates, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events.
Linda Aguilera and Kendrack Lewis win the 2012 Prestage Woods Negotiation Competition
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SEPTEMBER 13, 20112
(Houston, Texas) … The Thurgood Marshall School of Law James M. Douglas: Board of Advocates is pleased to announce that Linda Aguilera and Kendrack Lewis won the final round of the 2012 Prestage Woods Negotiation Competition.
After an arduous four days of participating in a twenty-four-team competition, Linda Aguilera and Kendrack Lewis defeated Ashley Cedillo and Eduardo Davila. Both teams will advance to the ABA Regional Negotiation Competition which will take place in November 3 through 4, 2012, at the Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lois Lee Prestage Woods (1923-2007), educator and lawyer, was born in Woodville, Texas, and was the first female law graduate of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (formerly known as Texas State Negro University) in 1951.
The Board of Advocates is a student organization formed to promote the practice of effective trial and appellate advocacy by sponsoring all mock trials, moot courts, and other dispute-resolution competitions at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Ashley Cedillo, former Section Two student, is a 2L from Penitas, Texas, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at the University of Texas at Pan American with a major in philosophy, political science, and english. Eduardo Davila, former Section Two student, is a 2L from Laredo, Texas, who completed his bachelor of arts degree at St. Mary’s University with a major in political science.
Linda Aguilera is a 1L in Section One from Houston, Texas, who completed her bachelor of arts degree at Midwestern State University with a major in criminal justice. Kendrack Lewis is a 1L in Section One from Houston, Texas, who completed his bachelor of arts degree at Texas Southern University with a major in political science.
For more information about the Board of Advocates, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook to learn more about upcoming events
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Info: BOA Calendar
James M. Douglas Board of Advocates
2012-2013
Competition and General Body Meeting Schedule
PLEASE MARK THE FOLLOWING DATES IN YOUR CALENDARS:
Fall 2012
August 29, 2012 at 5pm – BOA members meeting with Dean Douglas (All 3Ls that are registered for the BOA class are required to attend) Moot Court room.
August 30, 2012 at 5pm – BOA Interest Meeting for the Student Body (room TBA).
September 4, 2012 at 5pm* – Mandatory Meeting Prestage Woods Negotiations competition (room TBA).
Mock Trial: TMSL Mock Trial Primer Schedule
- Monday, August 20: Introduction to Mock Trial/Approaching the Case File
- Wednesday, August 22: Motions in Limine/Objections/Evidence
- Thursday, August 23: Opening Statement
- Monday, August 27: Direct Examination
- Tuesday, August 28: Cross Examination
- Wednesday, August 29: Closing Argument
Please contact daortez@gmail.com with any questions.
Info: Competition Judges Needed
As we are getting closer to the start of the 2012-2013 school year, we need to start preparing for the upcoming competitions. With this said, please provide be prepared to provide 2 judges for competitions by the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, August 22, 2012.
Please send me the list of your judges. If you are having trouble providing judges by this date, then please let me know that as well. Keep in mind, this is a requirement for all BOA members.
Look forward to seeing everyone again at the meeting!
