UND Law Trial Team
Competes in National Competition
By Denitsa Mavrova Heinrich
In February, the University of North Dakota
(UND) School of Law Trial Team competed
at the National Trial Competition for Region
9, which included 24 teams from around the
region, in Topeka, Kan. The National Trial
Competition is co-sponsored by the Texas
Young Lawyers Association and the American
College of Trial Lawyers. The competition
was established in 1975 to encourage and
strengthen students’ advocacy skills.
This year, the UND School of Law team of
Jenna Bergman and Erin Ferry advanced
to the semifinal round of the competition.
Bergman and Ferry were exceptional
throughout the preliminary rounds, facing
and eliminating teams from top-tiered law
schools and schools with long-established
and nationally-recognized trial advocacy
programs. The two were consistently praised
by the judges for their preparation, poise,
and professionalism in presenting the case.
In the semifinal round, Bergman and Ferry
faced the number one seeded team from the
University of Minnesota, and the three-hour
trial that followed was nothing short of a
master demonstration of trial advocacy skills
by both teams. The final result was a split
ballot, with 2:1 in judges’ votes and a narrow
point differential. One thing was unanimous,
however; Bergman and Ferry’s performance
at that semifinal round was absolutely
outstanding, as both the judges, the opposing
team members, and the other coaches noted.
The UND School of Law’s second team,
consisting of Erik Edison and Patricia
Castro, did an excellent job in the preliminary
rounds as well. The team faced some tough
competition in those rounds, including two
teams that advanced to the semifinals, but
tried each case with zeal and conviction. The
team was praised for its command of the case,
its excellent control of the courtroom, and its
mastery of the rules of evidence.
Unlike years past, each member of this
year’s Trial Team had to prepare both sides
of the case in a short timeframe, a task that
would be demanding and challenging even
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THE GAVEL
The UND School of Law Trial Team of Erin Ferry, Jenna Bergman, Prof. Denitsa Mavrova Heinrich,
Erik Edison, and Patricia Castro.
for practicing attorneys. Yet, the students
never lost sight of the important work
they were doing and the impact this work
would have on developing the skills they
need to succeed in the practice of law. They
never gave up. They maintained a positive
attitude throughout and were resilient. The
students spent countless hours preparing
and practicing their opening statements,
examinations, and closing arguments. They
conducted evidentiary research, argued
motions in limine, and made and responded
to objections. They gave it their all. “Trial
Team is the best experience I have had in
law school,” said Ferry. “It has allowed me to
gain practical experience in the courtroom
while utilizing what I have learned in the
classroom.” School of Law offers the team each year. We
are grateful to Dean Rand for her continued
confidence in the program, to Professor
McGuinniss for his sound advice on the
evidentiary issues, and to Assistant Dean Parish
for his time and constructive feedback during
one of our practice trials.
Edison agreed, describing Trial Team as a
practical learning opportunity that taught
him the importance of trial work and the
necessary skills to be a successful trial
lawyer. “From mastering trial mechanics to
addressing evidentiary issues and advocating
for your client, Trial Team has prepared me
for the rigors of practice.” For this competition season, the team would
like to extend a special “Thank You” to the
following individuals for being mentors, critics,
and cheerleaders along the way: Beth Alvine,
Brittney Blake, Michael Carlson, Lori Conroy,
Kyle Craig, Dane DeKrey, Dean DePountis,
Sandra DePountis, Brandt Doerr, Brent
Edison, Andrew Eyre, Eeva Greenley, Judge
Michael Fritz, Joe Parise, Bruce Quick, Alex
Stock, and Aubrey Zuger. We are also grateful
to the Clay County Courthouse staff and Judge
Michelle Lawson for allowing us to use the
courthouse facilities for our practice sessions.
“I will always be grateful I was given such
an amazing opportunity at UND School of
Law,” added Castro.
The success of the UND School of Law’s
Trial Team is reflective of the support the
Each year, we also reach out to members of
the bench and bar, asking for assistance in
preparing the team for competition, and are
humbled by the generosity of so many who
offer their time and share their expertise and
experience with our students. “We received
amazing support from attorneys and judges
throughout the state,” Bergman noted. “We
learned a great deal from each and every one of
them.”
We could not have done it without you!