Scalia Law Team Rocks Chicago, Breaks Law School Record

Claire O'Rourke, Rachel Petrik, and Gabriella Mahan
from left to right: Claire O'Rourke, Rachel Petrik, and Gabriella Mahan

Three Scalia Law students made it to the ABA’s National Appellate Advocacy Contest in Chicago on April 11-13. Gabriella Mahan, Claire O’Rourke, and Rachel Petrik proudly represented Scalia Law in Chicago.

The event consisted of 24 Regional Finalists, drawn from nearly 200 teams across the country that entered the six regional qualifying rounds in February and March.

The Antonin Scalia Law School team reached the quarterfinal round of the event (top 8) breaking a Scalia Law School record. Rachel Petrik (who won Best Oralist in the D.C. Regional) was recognized as the 4th best oralist overall in the national final rounds, also setting a new record for Scalia Law School.

The team was coached by Professors Ernest Isenstadt and Brandy Wagstaff, who commented that they were “particularly impressed by the team’s focus, determination, and level of preparation. Each student brought their A+ game and performed exceptionally throughout the competition.”