To:      University of Arkansas School of Law -- Faculty, Staff, and Students
From:  Kathryn A. Sampson on behalf of our National Moot Court Team
           Tom Buchanan, Jill Keenom, and Steve Maddex
Re:      FINAL FOUR in the Regional Rounds
Date:   November 25, 1998
 

Congratulations to the members of our National Moot Court team who represented the School of Law in top form at the Regional Rounds of the National Moot Court Competition sponsored by the Bar of the City of New York.

After receiving updated information from the regional sponsors, I am pleased to announce that Tom Buchanan, Jill Keenom, and Steve Maddex advanced out of the two preliminary rounds as the first-ranked team.  In the first round, Arkansas, arguing Petitioner, defeated one St. Louis University team.  In the second round, arguing Respondent, Arkansas defeated another St. Louis University team.  Our team advanced to the quarter finals with a 2-0 record and defeated a team from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.  It was not until after the "final four" semi-final round, against the University of Kansas, that Arkansas bowed out of the competition.  Teams from Kansas and Nebraska will represent the region in the final rounds in New York City in January.

The members of the team were highly professional and thorough during the brief writing period, that began in the first part of September.  All three worked to research and write each aspect of the brief, and all three became conversant on all the legal issues raised by the problem.  Their professionalism and exemplary work ethic continued during three weeks of practice rounds.  One noteworthy aspect of this team's efforts was its decision to assign to the swing oralist, Jill Keenom, one issue for petitioner's argument and another issue for respondent's argument.  This innovation encouraged a unique bond between all team members on all of the legal issues raised.

Moreover, the members of the team were thoroughly prepared for this rigorous competition by the outstanding support they received from the Law School's faculty.  Special thanks to Professors Bozzo and Coats for practicing the team twice.  Thank you also to Dean Strickman and Professors Brill, Guzman, Leflar, Matthews, Nance, Richards, Seligmann, and Watkins for your contributions to the Team's preparation.  Finally, special thanks to those students and faculty who were able to attend the Team's dress rehearsal round on November 18.  You saw an extraordinary group of advocates in action.

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