Matt Begoun Wins 2022 Otto Cipolla Closing Argument Competition

The final round of the 2022 Cipolla Closing Argument Competition was held on Thursday, April 14th in the Pepperdine Caruso Law Trial Courtroom. The annual competition allows students with an interest in trial advocacy the opportunity to compete for a place on the Pepperdine Caruso Law trial advocacy teams as well as cash prizes. This year there were seven finalists who competed by performing their self-composed closing arguments in front of guest judges. The winner of the 2022 competition was first-year student Matt Begoun, who earned a prize of $1,000.

The Cipolla Closing Argument Competition is named for alumnus and sponsor Otto Cipolla (JD '83), who was also honored as Preceptor of the Year for 2013-14. Faculty advisor Professor Harry Caldwell oversees the competition, which is hosted by the Trial Advocacy Board.