Congratulations to Colorado Law 1L’s Marissa Joers and Lucas Elek on their recent mock trial victory! On Monday, February 21, Colorado Law hosted the final round of the 1L Purvis Gray Thomson (PGT) Mock Trial Competition in the Carrigan Courtroom, where Joers and Elek took first place.
All of the finalists—Marissa Joers, Lucas Elek, Alexis Opper, and Caitlin Dacus—gave an impressive showing. Each of the students on the winning team earned a $1,000 scholarship thanks to the generosity of Purvis Gray Thomson, LLP. Their names will be engraved on the PGT plaque which can be found in Boettcher Hall at the law school. Each of the students on the second-place team earned a $500 scholarship, also thanks to the generosity of PGT.
Michael Thomson who graduated from Colorado Law in 1994 and is currently a partner at Purvis Gray Thomson, LLP served as one of the judges in the final round. Thomson remarked, “Our firm is proud to sponsor this competition. Colorado Law students are incredibly impressive, and this year’s competitors were no different. Congratulations to Ms. Joers and Mr. Elek!”
The Honorable Don Toussaint served as the second judge for the final round of the competition. Judge Toussaint serves as District Court Magistrate for the Eighteenth Judicial District. Special thanks are also due to Ben Hepler ‘22 and Angie Bubis ’22 who chaired the competition.
“For many students, the PGT 1L Mock Trial competition is the first opportunity for students to try their hand at trial practice,” explained Director of Experiential Learning and Public Service Programs Emily Horowitz. “Competitors are coached by upper-level student members of our mock trial team and have a chance to showcase their trial skills in front of sitting judges and practicing attorneys.”
The top 10 teams from PGT will go on to compete against our friends at DU in the CU/DU Crosstown Cup, sponsored by Hogan Lovells.