Trial Team Board Bios


CHIEF COUNSEL

Brianna Coakley, Class of 2011

    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.

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FINANCE COUNSEL

Amanda Ritucci-Chinni, Class of 2011

    William & Mary National Trial Team
    • Fundraising & Publicity Counsel, 2009-2010
    • Best Plaintiff’s Advocate, Capitol City Challenge National Mock Trial Competition, 2010
    • Semi-Finalist, Capitol City Challenge National Mock Trial Competition, 2010
    • Second Place, ABA Labor and Employment Law Annual Trial Advocacy Competition, 2009
    William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal
    • Articles Editor, 2010-2011
    • Staff Editor, 2009-2010
    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!

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TOURNAMENT COUNSEL

Emily Riggs, Class of 2012

    William & Mary National Trial Team

    Trial Team is one of the most practical parts of my legal education. Preparing for competitions gives me the chance to recognize weaknesses now, before I represent my first client in the real world. Not only is my participation on the team a great learning experience, but it's also fun! Some of my best friends in law school are also on the team, so practicing and traveling with them makes the experience even better.

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FUNDRAISING & PUBLICITY COUNSEL

Rustin Mangum, Class of 2011

    William & Mary National Trial Team
    William & Mary Law Review
    Academic Support Program Teaching Assistant
    Student Legal Services

    Being a member of Trial Team has been the most fun I've had in law school and it has also been where I have learned the most in my legal education. I have gotten to know some of my best friends in law school and been mentored by one of the best trial attorneys anywhere. All around it has been a great experience for which I am extremely grateful.

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LEAD RECRUITMENT COUNSEL

Lindsay Naiman, Class of 2011

    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!!

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VICE RECRUITMENT COUNSEL

Madelyn Buckley, Class of 2012

    William & Mary National Trial Team

    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.

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LEAD DEVELOPMENT COUNSEL

Brian Cannon, Class of 2011

    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."

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VICE DEVELOPMENT COUNSEL

Richard Clausi, Jr., Class of 2012

    William & Mary National Trial Team
    Member - William and Mary Moot Court Team
    Member - William and Mary Bill of Rights Journal

    Having been involved in various mock trial organizations since my high school days, I am thrilled to continue my trial advocacy training as a member of the William & Mary National Trial Team. I look forward to further development of the skills needed to be an effective litigator, competing in some of the nation's most prestigious tournaments, and creating long-lasting relationships with my fellow team members.

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VICE DEVELOPMENT COUNSEL

Caitlyn Cotter, Class of 2012

    William & Mary National Trial Team
    William and Mary Law Review
    Graduate Research Fellow

    I have been a member and a coach of mock trial teams in high school, college and now here at William and Mary. The experience has taught me more than any class ever could about thinking on your feet and presenting a persuasive argument--essential skills for any attorney. My closest friendships were forged over debates over the rules of evidence, so I can’t wait to work with our new members this spring!

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