MSU Law BLSA members win moot court competition in Chicago

By Kate Hall
MSU Law

Michigan State University College of Law Black Law Students Association (BLSA) President Kiara Swinton and BLSA member Nadia Vann won the 2016 Frederick Douglass regional moot court competition in Chicago.

Adjunct Professor Goldie Pritchard served as faculty advisor, and Professors Pucillo, Lawrence, Zimbelman, and Copland sat in on practice rounds.

Professor Zimbelman said, “Both Ms. Vann and Ms. Swinton were exceedingly well-prepared. They analyzed the problem from every angle, and they were able to present thoughtful persuasive oral arguments.”

The 2015-2016 problem focuses on felon disenfranchisement and the team will compete at nationals to be held March 9-13 in Baltimore.

The journey to nationals is especially significant because MSU Law’s chapter of BLSA has been nominated for Chapter of the Year.

Since its inception in 1968 at Detroit College of Law, MSU Law’s BLSA has produced diverse and collaborative programs, helped recruit students to MSU Law, and promoted efforts within the law school to aid underrepresented groups.

In addition, Myles Baker, BLSA Vice-President, has been appointed as Sub-regional Director within the Midwest organization and is a first point of contact for BLSA chapters in Michigan and Ohio when communicating with national MWBLSA.