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Pepperdine Caruso Law Moot Court Team Advances to 2021 ABA NAAC Nationals

Two of Pepperdine Caruso Law's moot court teams competed at the virtual San Francisco Regional ABA Law Student Division National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) on February 18-20, and both teams advanced to the outrounds of top competitors. The team of Ashley Koos (3L) and David Portillo (2L) were the regional finalists and advanced to the national competition. In addition, Ashley won the award for Best Oral Advocate in the entire regional competition. The team of Derek Kliewer (2L) and Noah DeWitt (2L) advanced to the final rounds as one of the top 16 teams of the 32 teams that competed.

The team of Ashley Koos and David Portillo is one of four San Francisco regional finalist teams that will advance as one of 24 teams from six regions to the virtual Chicago national competition that will take place on April 8-10.

The Caruso Law teams were coached by alumna Sarah George (JD '19) and Moot Court Team Faculty Advisor Mark Kubisch. Ashley Koos and Derek Kliewer were the leaders of their respective teams.

The ABA NAAC emphasizes the development of oral advocacy skills through a realistic appellate advocacy experience. The moot court competitors participate in a hypothetical appeal to the United States Supreme Court.