WCL

First-Year Students Take the Podium at the 2026 Alvina Reckman-Myers Moot Court Tournament

Eighty-two 1Ls tested their appellate advocacy skills in a Fourth Amendment case, advancing from preliminary rounds to a faculty-judged final.

Winners Dylan Griffith (left) and James Ingersoll (right) stand with Professors Rebecca Hamilton, Elizabeth Beske, and Thomas Bondy, who served as judges.

First-year students at American University Washington College of Law showcased their emerging advocacy skills during the 2026 Alvina Reckman-Myers First Year Moot Court Tournament, a foundational competition designed to introduce students to appellate oral advocacy in a supportive, low-stakes environment.

The annual competition gives 1Ls the opportunity to argue before panels of judges while receiving detailed feedback from members of the Moot Court Honor Society. In addition to building confidence and courtroom presence, the tournament prepares students for their spring Legal Rhetoric oral arguments and Moot Court’s Spring Qualifying Tournament.

Finalist from left to right, Dylan Griffith (Section 4), Priya Kukreja (Section 4), James Ingersoll (Section 2), and Aryana Azizi (Section 4).

This year, 82 first-year students competed in the tournament, which centered on a criminal procedure issue involving the Fourth Amendment. Two preliminary rounds were held on January 17, 2026, during which students demonstrated their ability to analyze complex constitutional questions, respond to judicial questioning, and advocate persuasively on behalf of their assigned positions.

Following the preliminary rounds, 32 competitors advanced to the elimination rounds on January 18. From there, four finalists emerged to compete in the championship round later that afternoon: Dylan Griffith, Priya Kukreja, Aryana Azizi, and James Ingersoll.

The final round was judged by a distinguished panel of faculty members, including Professors Elizabeth Beske, Thomas Bondy, and Rebecca Hamilton, who evaluated the students on clarity, legal reasoning, responsiveness, and overall advocacy.

“I could never have stood at that podium as a 1L,” said Professor Beske. “Sitting on the bench and watching the remarkable demonstration of our students’ talent is great fun; having to choose only two winners, however, is invariably agonizing.”

“Sitting on the bench, all I could think was that if this is the future of the legal profession, then we’re in great hands,” Professor Hamilton added.

After an impressive final round, Dylan Griffith and James Ingersoll were named the tournament winners. Judges praised all four finalists for their preparation, poise, and professionalism, noting the high level of advocacy displayed by students so early in their legal education.

Members of the Moot Court Honor Society pose with faculty judges following the 2026 Alvina Reckman-Myers First Year Moot Court Tournament. Student organizers Sophie Putrim and Anika Krishnan (center) were presented with flowers in recognition of their dedication and leadership in organizing the competition.

“The 1Ls entered the weekend with enthusiasm and courage, and by the end, our team was deeply impressed by their growth and confidence over just a few short days,” said 2L Sophie Putrim, who co-led the competition alongside fellow student organizer 2L Anika Krishnan. “We are excited to welcome some incredible talent to our team later this spring.”

The Alvina Reckman-Myers First Year Moot Court Tournament remains a hallmark of AUWCL’s commitment to experiential learning and advocacy training. By providing students with early exposure to oral argument in a structured and encouraging setting, the competition helps lay the groundwork for future success in moot court, clinics, and the courtroom.

See more photos of the event here.