Pepperdine Caruso Law Hosts 2024 Otto Cipolla Closing Argument Competition

Pepperdine Caruso Law held the final round of the 2024 Otto Cipolla Closing Argument Competition on Friday, April 5. 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 competition coaches.

The 2024 competition winners were:

• Caden Cutter - first place finalist
• Raymond Davison - second place finalist
• Conor Fairtlough - third place finalist

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 Caruso Law alumnus and competition sponsor Otto Cipolla (JD '83), who was also in attendance. Faculty advisor professor Harry Caldwell oversees the competition, which is hosted by the Trial Advocacy Board.