Roman Smith Wins 2018 Otto Cipolla Closing Argument Competition
On Friday, April 6, the Trial Courtroom was overflowing with spectators and supporters as seven finalists competed in the Otto Cipolla Closing Argument Competition. This year’s finalists included Kevin Hempy, Robert Rosenberg, Allison Mather, Roman Smith, Rachel Zarrabi, Anelise Powers, and Ali Spina. Their passion and preparation was evident to all that came to watch the finalists vie for top honors. Professors Harry Caldwell, Christine Chambers Goodman, Christen Sproule, John Sharer, the Honorable Terry Adamson, and alumni Amanda Pitrof, Marcel Sincich, and Shannon Ward all served as judges. The Cipolla Closing Argument Competition, named for 2013-14 Preceptor of the Year Otto Cipolla, Jr. (JD ’83) allows first-year students with an interest in trial advocacy an opportunity to compete for a place on Pepperdine’s trial advocacy teams as well as cash prizes. This year’s winners are:
- 1st Place – Roman Smith
- 2nd Place – Rachel Zarrabi
- 3rd Place – Robert Rosenberg and Ali Spina (tie)
We are grateful for Mr. Cipolla’s continued support of the law school’s trial advocacy program. For more information about Pepperdine Law’s award-winning trial advocacy program, please contact Professor Harry Caldwell at harry.caldwell@pepperdine.edu.
