2023 Competition organizers (left to right): Jane A. Kent '24; Elizabeth M. Vinal '22; Dawn Skopinski, Associate Director of the Advocacy Institute; Associate Director for Experiential Learning; Jennifer R. Scharf '05, Associate Dean for Career Services; Director of Trial Advocacy, Morgann K. Obrochta '20
Buffalo-Niagara Trial Competition
This competition is one of the biggest national invitationals in the country, with more than 30 teams competing each year.
2024 Competition
Friday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024
Locations:
- Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 rounds will take place at Buffalo City Court in downtown Buffalo, NY.
- Oct. 6 finals will take place at the School of Law.
Schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 4, 8:30 a.m. (morning round)
- Friday , Oct. 4, 1:00 p.m. (afternoon round)
- Saturday, , Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. (morning round)
- Saturday, Oct. 5, 1:00 p.m. (afternoon round)
- Sunday, Oct. 6, 8:30 a.m. (semi-finals, morning round)
- Sunday, Oct. 6,12:30 p.m. (finals - afternoon round)
We're seeking volunteer Judges and Evaluators! If interested, please register online or contact Jennifer Scharf at jrscharf@buffalo.edu.
About the Annual Competition
Since 2004, teams from more than 30 law schools across the country travel to Buffalo to compete in this prestigious annual competition. Law students try both sides of a homicide case before experienced judges and trial attorneys who volunteer as judges and evaluators.
After the preliminary rounds, the top 8 teams advance to the final rounds. Awards are presented at a banquet and include honors for Best Opening, Best Direct, Best Cross, Best Closing and Best Advocate.