The Kline School of Law has been ranked #6 in the U.S by the 2016-17 Trial Competition Performance Ranking published by Fordham University School of Law.

The Top 20 ranking reflects an objective snapshot of achievement in interscholastic Trial Team competitions.

“This is a wonderful affirmation of the tremendous skills and poise that our students demonstrate in the intense, high-pressure venue of a mock trial courtroom,” said Professor Gwen Stern, director of the school’s Trial Advocacy program. “I am extremely proud of our students and their coaches, many of whom are Kline alumni.”

Stern observed that the Trial Team is well-positioned to perform even better in the future, in light of the fact that Professor Justin Bernstein has joined the faculty.

“Justin is an amazingly accomplished teacher and coach,” Stern said, noting that Bernstein is the former president of the American Mock Trial Association as well as a successful litigator.

The ranking is based on a system that awards varying numbers of points for competition wins and advances to final or semi-final rounds in both regional and national tournaments.

Kline accrued points from numerous competitions, including:

• 2016 National Champions, National Board of Trial Advocacy Tournament of Champions
• 2016 National Champions, American Association for Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition
• 2016 National Semi-Finalist, Top Gun Mock Trial Competition
• 2016 National Semi-Finalists, Golden Gate University “In Vino Veritas” Competition
• 2017 Regional Champions, Texas Young Lawyers Association Trial Team Competition
• 2016 Regional Champions, Texas Young Lawyers Association Trial Team Competition