Empire Moot Court Team Brings Home Trophy

April 24, 2018

Empire Moot Court Team Brings Home Trophy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA ROSA, CA – Empire College School of Law captured first place in oral argument at the 2018 Roger J. Traynor California Appellate Moot Court Competition held April 14-15, 2018 in Los Angeles. In addition, team members Michelle Novi and Stephanie Ransom were recognized for individual excellence in appellate advocacy for their oral arguments, Ms. Novi as the #1 oralist in the competition.

Twelve law schools sent teams to the competition, including Loyola (which placed second), Hastings, U.C. Berkeley, McGeorge, and Golden Gate. The Traynor competition is California’s oldest and largest moot tournament. This is the 13th year since 2000 that Empire’s team has placed at the competition.

Team member Michelle Novi is a fourth-year law student who will be sitting for the Bar Exam in July 2018. A third-year student, Stephanie Ransom and Ms. Novi were both studying for their Law School final exams and prepping for the Traynor competition during the last two weeks of practice. The team was coached by Professor Connie Burtnett, a criminal defense attorney.

“The team’s achievement reflects the incredible effort invested by the students individually and as a team, as well as the hard work and dedication of Professor Burtnett, who put in countless hours coaching and encouraging the team as they prepared for the competition,” stated J. Michael Mullins, Dean of Empire College School of Law.

Dean Mullins added, “During the final weeks of practice, local attorneys and judges volunteered their time to serve as judges, adding their perspective and insight to help hone the team’s skills. We are very fortunate to have the support of the local Bar and use of the Superior Courtrooms in our building to prepare for the competition.”


Alicia Cronbach, Esq.

(Class of 2006)
One of the advantages of Empire as a night vs. traditional law school is the real-life experience that most students have between college and law school. Being a second-career lawyer, you bring a lot more value to the table and to a prospective employer than you may appreciate.

Jacqueline Rosario, Esq

(Class of 2014)
I wanted to be an attorney because I wanted to make a difference in this world, and I feel that I am doing that. It is very rewarding, and I am blessed to be living my dream. I recommend to everybody considering law school that if you want to do this and have the will to do it, do it.

Chris Van Nuys

Operations Manager, LEMO USA, Inc. (Class of 2019)
Empire Law School provided the instruction, guidance, and motivation that I needed to pass the California State Bar Examination on the first try, despite the rigors of managing a full-time career and family commitments in parallel. I would absolutely recommend Empire Law School to anyone looking for relevant and masterful instruction in the subjects of law.