Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School recently hosted the 15th Annual Kennesaw State University Owl Classic Invitational Mock Trial Tournament on November 1–2. The event gathered undergraduate teams from several universities in the Southeast, including Georgia State University, Auburn University, Mercer University, The Citadel, Middle Tennessee State University, East Tennessee State University, Lee University, the University of South Florida, Troy University, and Kennesaw State University.
During the two-day tournament, students demonstrated their trial advocacy skills by delivering opening statements, conducting witness examinations, and making closing arguments. Panels of judges consisting of practicing attorneys, alumni, and law students evaluated the participants.
At the end of the competition, awards were given to the top-performing teams. Kennesaw State University (Team A) secured first place. Auburn University took second place and Georgia State University (Team B) finished third.
The law school highlighted its community involvement through volunteers who served as judges. “AJMLS was especially proud to have two alumni and a current student volunteer their time as judges: Marquez Jones, Adrian Paredes-Novella, and Aaron Ridenour (3L). Their participation exemplifies the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting experiential learning and engaging with the broader academic community.”
The Owl Classic aims to offer undergraduate students practical experience in courtroom advocacy while allowing them to connect with legal professionals and peers interested in justice. “The Owl Classic continues to provide undergraduate students with an invaluable opportunity to practice courtroom advocacy in a realistic setting while connecting with legal professionals and law students who share their passion for justice. Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is honored to partner with Kennesaw State University each year to make this event possible and looks forward to hosting again in 2026.”