Published on March 4, 2026 by Morgan Black  
Moot Court 2026

Cumberland School of Law’s moot court program celebrated an exceptional showing at the Boston Regional of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC), one of the country’s most prestigious moot court events. With 32 teams and more than 70 student advocates competing, the regional event drew some of the strongest student advocates from across the nation, all tasked with briefing and arguing a complex, simulated case before a mock court. This year’s problem, centered on waivers of and exceptions to sovereign immunity for actions by federal officers, challenged competitors to navigate nuanced legal doctrine while demonstrating clarity, creativity and confidence in their advocacy. 

From the beginning of the competition, Cumberland student advocates distinguished themselves. The team of third-year student Justin Martin and second-year students Catherine Pattillo and Raleigh Capps advanced through multiple rounds to reach the final matchup. The team of second-year students Gage Ragona, Nic Cockrell and Lauren Reagan also delivered an impressive run, advancing to the semifinal round. Their performance earned high praise throughout the weekend and secured Cumberland a place among the top teams in the region. 

Cumberland students also earned some of the competition’s highest individual honors. Martin was named First Place Advocate, Pattillo earned Second Place Advocate and Ragona rounded out Cumberland’s recognition with a Seventh Place Advocate award. Together, their accomplishments reflect a powerful combination of preparation, composure and appellate skill. 

Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of alumni coaches provided mentorship and guidance throughout months of preparation. Emily Hopper, JD ’19, Anna Saunders Knouse, JD ’19, and Charlie Shah, JD ’96, devoted their time and expertise to shaping the students’ briefs, refining their arguments and helping them grow as advocates. 

“It was a privilege to work with these incredibly dedicated student advocates,” Hopper said. “What impressed me most was not just their talent, but the way they supported and pushed each other to get better every single day. I could not be prouder of what they accomplished or more excited to see the advocates they will continue to become.” 

Cumberland School of Law’s strong performance at the NAAC Boston Regional not only highlighted student talent but also reinforced the prestige of Cumberland’s nationally recognized advocacy program. For competitors who spent months studying the record, writing and rewriting briefs, and practicing arguments late into the evening, the results stand as a testament to their hard work—and to the enduring impact of a program built on mentorship, discipline and a passion for the law.

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Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.