SKILLS BOARD

Dawna Anderson and Michael Williams Win Fifth Annual Cohen and Cohen Mock Trial Competition

(Left to right) 2Ls Patrick DeKlotz and Ryan Sanders, for the defense; United States District Judge James Robertson, LL.B. ’65; event sponsors Wayne Cohen and Jill Cohen; and 2Ls Dawna Anderson and Michael Williams for the plaintiff.

November 12, 2007 -- Four GW Law 2Ls showcased their talents and the strength of the Mock Trial Board at the finals round of the 5th Annual Cohen & Cohen Mock Trial Competition. Dawna Anderson and Michael Williams represented the plaintiff for the fictitious case, with Patrick DeKlotz and Ryan Sanders arguing for the defense. United States District Judge James Robertson (LL.B. ’65) ruled in favor of the plaintiff, but said the decision was difficult because all four students were “terrific” competitors.

The final arguments in O’Callahan v. National Television Network Studios, Inc., et al—a civil personal injury case involving questions of negligence and comparative negligence—were the culmination of three weeks of competition at the Law School. A field of 22 teams was narrowed to two teams through preliminary, quarterfinal, and semifinal competitions. In their opening remarks, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Steve Schooner and Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs David Johnson praised all the competitors and the members of the Mock Trial Board for their skill and participation.

In addition to complimenting the competitors on their arguments and presentation, Judge Robertson also recognized event sponsors professorial lecturer of law Wayne Cohen and Jill Cohen, manager and partner, respectively, of Cohen & Cohen, a personal injury firm in D.C. “The initiative you’ve taken in sponsoring this event is fantastic; it will improve the barrister class in our city,” Judge Robertson said to the Cohens.

“It was a wonderful event. All four students were amazing—I would hire all four,” Wayne Cohen said. “It was a very close competition.”


- Laura Ewald