Pepperdine Caruso Law Hosts 2023 Otto Cipolla Closing Argument Competition

Pepperdine Caruso Law held the final round of the 2023 Otto Cipolla Closing Argument Competition on Friday, March 31. The annual competition allows students with an interest in trial advocacy the opportunity to compete for a place on the Caruso Law trial advocacy teams as well as cash prizes.  The competitors were given a criminal case, wrote a 5-minute closing argument based on that case, and then performed the closing argument in front of the Caruso Law Trial Advocacy Board and coaches.

The 2023 competition winners were first place finisher Dylan Garrison (1L); second place finisher Natashja Atherton (1L); and third place finisher Jordan Washington (2L). With the trial courtroom filled with spectators, this year's final round will be remembered as one of the most competitive and successful events the Trial Advocacy Board has ever hosted. 

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.