Baylor Law School’s annual Faegre Drinker Spring Moot Court Competition once again demonstrated the strength of Baylor Law’s advocacy program, bringing together 170 competitors across 85 teams from the Spring Legal Analysis, Research & Communication 3, Persuasive Communications class to argue a complex appellate case. The competition began on February 27 and culminated in a final round held in the Rex Huston Practice Court classroom on Monday, March 24. In the end, the team of Katelyn Stevens and Kelsey Crowe emerged victorious over finalists Bryce Babcock and Kyle Zuidema. The team of Alecia Johnson and Beth Anthony and the team of Cole Bourland and Jack Cross ended the competition as Semi-Finalists.
This year’s case challenged competitors to argue an appeal involving a summary judgment ruling in a pharmaceutical liability case. The plaintiff claimed she was injured by a prescription drug manufactured by the defendant. During his deposition, the prescribing doctor initially stated he was aware of the drug’s risks but later changed his statement, claiming he wasn’t informed about those risks. The trial court relied on his initial testimony and granted summary judgment to the defendant. Additionally, the court denied the plaintiff’s request to examine other claims against the defendant. As a result, the plaintiff appealed both rulings.
The final round featured a notable panel of judges, including attorneys Jennifer Richards, JD ’11; Tiffani Skroch, JD ’24; LARC 3 Adjunct Professor Kyle C. Steingreaber, JD ’18; Baylor Law School Professor Stephanie Tang; Baylor Law School Professor Michael Berry; and two student judges, Cagan Baldree and Michael Rowley, winners of the Fall 2024 Dawson & Sodd, LLP Moot Court Competition. Students who were among the best speakers in the preliminary rounds and the members of the top 32 teams have been named Barristers, a title of honor given to students for their advocacy skills. The top speakers in the 2025 Spring Competition included Best Speaker Chloe Solis and co-runners-up Jordan Howell and Nick Trythall. Additional competitors receiving advocacy awards were Kenadie Wilde, Cassie Crumpacker, Claire Taylor, Gabrielle Griffey, Alecia Johnson, Beth Anthony, Bryce Babcock, Roman Martinez, Cat McCurdy, Joe Gilchrist, and Joe Duke.
Baylor Law School is grateful for the continued support of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP, which has generously sponsored the competition since 2019. Their commitment to legal education and appellate advocacy ensures students receive invaluable opportunities to hone their skills in a rigorous, competitive setting.
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