Faulkner Law Trial Advocacy Ranked 17 by US News and World Report

Faulkner Law’s trial advocacy program was recently ranked number 17 in the nation by the US News and World Report for 2018. The program, directed by Professor Joe Lester, Director of Advocacy Programs, is one of the top programs in the nation.

The ranking is well deserved, according to Lester. Based on the school’s reputation among educators and practitioners across the country, this ranking marks a program that produces superior performance in trial advocacy competitions but also produces graduates who are outstanding litigators.

Lester is pleased with the result but thinks the program can continue to improve.

“With the help of a dedicated alumni base and loyal volunteer coaches we have been able to maintain a consistent level of training and performance for a decade now. This ranking means that we are recognized nationally as having a top-tier trial advocacy program,” Lester said. “Now that we see our hard work has paid off I anticipate the future being even brighter. We are thrilled to be ranked 17, but we will increase our efforts and expand the program to move even higher up the rankings.”

The university’s mock trial team has sent 6 teams in 10 years to the national finals and have won National competitions in Texas, New York and Michigan. Additionally, the school has won numerous Regional competitions across the Southeast.

“From the time we sought ABA approval, we said that our goal was to produce outstanding lawyers. A huge part of that is producing outstanding trial and appellate advocates and we are justly proud of our students for pursuing excellence in every phase of their development,” said Faulkner Law Dean Charles Nelson. “We also congratulate Professor Lester who has worked tirelessly and selflessly to make this happen.”