Twenty six teams from across the country competed virtually in the Oklahoma City regional round of the National Appellate Advocacy Competition, March 4-6. Among all competing teams, only four advanced to nationals including the team from Cumberland School of Law.

Cumberland had two teams in the competition. The team of third-year student Pierce Otswalt and second-year student Danner Kline proved to be tough competition through three rounds and received high marks and praises from judges. They were coached by Charlie Shah ’96.

The team of third-year students Mitchell Brisbon and Kaylee Rose argued their way into the fifth and final round. Both Brisbon and Rose earned perfect scores from multiple judges throughout the five rounds. The pair also won every judge ballot in every round in which they competed. In the final round, Brisbon and Rose faced off against Baylor University School of Law, defeating them 5-0, with Brisbon collecting an overall average score of 97.4 and Rose a 97. In the awards ceremony, Brisbon was named 4th Best Oralist in the region. They were coached by Judge Anne Durward ’95 and Anna Saunders ’19.

The team will continue to the Chicago national competition which will be held virtually, April 7-9.