We wish to invite your school to apply to participate in The 18th Annual Cathy Bennett National Criminal Trial Competition. The competition is sponsored by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and co-sponsored by the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. This annual event will take place in conjunction with the NACDL Fall Meeting which will be held on October 23-26, 2008, in Tampa, Florida at the Hyatt Regency Tampa Hotel.

» Hyatt Regency Tampa Hotel
» Special Reserved NACDL Room Rates

Applications are now being accepted for this unique competition. Please note the deadline (April 30) and apply promptly.

We expect to notify selected schools in mid-May of 2008. All communication with teams regarding the competition will be via email, so please include a correct and current email address on your application.

For the seventh year, Professors John Scott and Jerry MacDonald from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan will act as co-directors of the Competition, with the assistance of NACDL representatives. Cooley Law School has, throughout its 35-year existence, consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching trial advocacy and to practical scholarship in the law. Consistent with that commitment Cooley has volunteered time and financial backing to ensure the continuation of this traditionally excellent Competition.

TEAMS

Twelve law schools will be invited to participate in the Competition. In accordance with tradition, the two finalists from last year will be invited back, and thus we will have slots available for ten 'new' schools. The Competition is a criminal trial competition.

Each school participating must send one four-member team, and each member must participate as an attorney either for the defense or prosecution, and as a witness for their colleagues when representing the opposite side in the competition. To the extent practicable, all witnesses will be "gender-neutral" so you can concentrate on picking the best trial students available.

Although we have no entry fee, and most social events are free of charge to your school, each team is responsible for its own transportation, hotel and meal costs. Rooms may be booked at reduced NACDL rate for the teams. It is up to teams to make their own arrangements. NACDL allows faculty members to attend seminars free of charge during the trial rounds.

Consistent with the tradition of this competition, please remember advisors must be faculty, not students, and that faculty advisors will not be permitted to sit in on the trials.

The Competition begins on Wednesday evening with team Registration and Reception for team members and advisors, followed by a mandatory Faculty Advisors meeting. Three preliminary rounds will be held at the hotel (two Thursday and one Friday morning) before the four semi-finalists are determined. The semi-finals will be held Friday afternoon and the finals Saturday morning. All rounds will be judged by panels of experienced criminal trial lawyers and judges.

RULES [pdf]

As noted in the Application, we require that you review the competition Rules BEFORE applying [pdf] so as to avoid any misunderstandings prior to or during the competition.

Please review the Rules carefully as they address some issues that are unique to this Competition.

Contact Us

PLEASE RETURN APPLICATION TO:
Katherine Fleming
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
300 South Capital Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone:(517) 371-5140 ext. 2848
Fax: (517) 334-5747
Email: flemingk@cooley.edu

Hotel and Accommodations

Hotel & Lodging Accommodations:
Hyatt Regency Tampa
211 North Tampa Street
Tampa, Florida USA 33602
Reservations: 888-591-1234

Looking for alternative reduced cost lodging while in Tampa?

Take advantage of your NACDL Member Benefit and stay at a Choice Hotel for a special reduced rate. Be sure to enter our Group ID number #00801937.