Trial Team Board Bios
CHIEF COUNSEL
Mike Nicholas, Class of 2010
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William & Mary National Trial Team
Semi-Finalist, 2009 George Mason University National Trial Competition
Semi-Finalist, 2008 University of Puerto Rico National Trial Competition
Member, William and Mary Moot Court
Best Oralist, 2009 Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Competition (Brooklyn, NY);
Member, William and Mary Alternative Dispute Resolution Team
Member, I'Anson Hoffman American Inn of Court
I joined the trial team because my passion is for litigation, and I have learned more about how to win at trial by competing for the trial team than I have in two years of substantive legal education. On the team you learn more than simply how to "do" a trial, you learn how to achieve the best result for your client. I.E. you learn how to succeed.
I have found that membership on the team brings with it certain opportunities I would not have otherwise had. Besides travelling around the country and competing against other top law schools, I have been able to take advantage of an advanced trial advocacy course (2L year), and an advanced course on Trial Strategy and Persuasion (3L year) that are reserved exclusively for team members. Additionally, I took advantage of priority registration for classes in Pre-trial Discovery, Objections, and Depositions.
I would highly recommend membership in this outstanding organization to anyone interested in litigation, trial work and/or simply improving their oral advocacy skills.
FINANCE COUNSEL
Barbara Watkins, Class of 2010
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William & Mary National Trial Team
Semi-Finalist—John C. Costello National Criminal Law Trial Advocacy Competition
The trial team simulates real world experiences and provides constructive criticism. It helps turn a law student into a lawyer. My experiences on the team have been the best experiences of my law school career.
TOURNAMENT COUNSEL
Brianna Coakley, Class of 2011
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William & Mary National Trial Team
The best part of the William and Mary trial team is the trial experience. Being a trial team member is by far the best opportunity to learn how to be an excellent advocate.
FUNDRAISING & PUBLICITY COUNSEL
Amanda Ritucci-Chinni, Class of 2011
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William & Mary National Trial Team
William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal
Graduate Research Fellowship, Research Assistant for Professor Banks
Public Service Fund Board, Gift Shop Chair
William & Mary Peer Group Advisor
I initially joined Trial Team because I thought it would be a great way to develop litigation skills. Now that I am a member of the Team, I realize just how many opportunities it presents. Trial Team will give as much back to you as you put into it, & gives you the opportunity to learn in specialized classes & competitions throughout the country, & from an amazing coach & other students who are passionate about being competent & skillful advocates. I could not recommend joining Trial Team more highly!
LEAD RECRUITMENT COUNSEL
Kia Ayn King, Class of 2010
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William and Mary National Trial Team
3rd Place, 2009 BLSA Regional Finals (Philadelphia, PA), 2009 BLSA Nationals (Palo Alto, CA)
William and Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review
Black Law Students Association member
William and Mary Law School Communications Department, Research Assistant
Why I joined the team:
I joined trial team because I wanted to make sure I was prepared to be a holistic attorney—one that could not only do writing and research but also is prepared to deal with the social interactions that come with the profession. Trial team was a great opportunity to sharpen my persuasive oral advocacy while also creating bonds with other law students with similar interests.
I like being on the team because I have grown so close with other law students that I would otherwise not have the privilege of getting to know. Preparation for competition, while challenging, helps form timeless bonds that strengthen the team and each individual's ability to be a persuasive orator. My experience at William and Mary has been worthwhile because of my time spent working with other members on the team!
LEAD RECRUITMENT COUNSEL
Andrew English 4L (JD\MPP) \ Victory Lap
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William & Mary National Trial Team
Student Bar Association (SBA), Vice President
Member of the team that qualified for the National BLSA Tournament
Joining William & Mary's National Trial Team was one of the best thing I have done while in law school. Not only does it let me practice and polish my trial advocacy skills, but it also gives be the chance to learn real world skills that I will use on a day to day basis as a lawyer.
VICE RECRUITMENT COUNSEL
Lindsay Naiman, Class of 2011
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William & Mary National Trial Team
William & Mary Law Review
Graduate Research Fellowship
With a degree in Musical Theatre and Criminal Justice, Trial Team is the perfect blend of my passions. Trial Team teaches you to perform under pressure, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively. I joined the team to strengthen these invaluable skills and to have fun!!
LEAD DEVELOPMENT COUNSEL
Jessica Hass, Class of 2010
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William & Mary National Trial Team
Semi-Finalist, University of Puerto Rico Trial Tournament
Best Cross Examination, University of Puerto Rico Trial Tournament
Winner, Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County Trial Competition
Second Best Advocate, Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County Trial Competition
I have been involved in mock trial since I was in high school and I have always loved it. There’s no better way to master the rules of evidence, practice thinking on your feet, and learn how to persuade an audience than by doing mock trial. It’s also been the most fun I’ve ever had; my closest friends have always been my teammates.
VICE DEVELOPMENT COUNSEL
Brian Cannon, Class of 2011
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William & Mary National Trial Team
I am excited to work with Jess this coming spring to teach trial basics to the new members. This will be my ninth year of trial competition, dating all the way back to high school when McGuireWoods and Troutman Sanders held trial competitions for Richmond teens. I love competing and since I’m too short to play football professionally, I’m looking forward to becoming a litigator."
