March 9, 2022

The University of Montana’s Blewett School of Law national mock trial team had an impressive run at the Texas Young Lawyers Association regional mock trial tournament held in Provo, Utah, February 23-27. Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School hosted this year.

This year’s two teams included second-year students Blake Koemans, Natalie Bergen-Henengouwen, Talon Sandstrom and Laine Hochhalter. They faced off against 19 teams in the Rocky Mountain Region 13 over the course of three preliminary rounds.

It was a challenging format as the first three mock trials were conducted on Zoom but required travel to Provo. Only if a team moved on did the mock trials move into in-person rounds.

Despite multiple hiccups during the competition, the UM team remained focused and professional during the Zoom rounds.

Both teams garnered praise from opposing teams and their coaches. They were also able to connect with their peers and forge new friendships through the competition despite the first round being held on Zoom.

Team Talon and Laine moved on to the in-person semi-final round and did not move on to the final round by the smallest of margins.

The team and the coaches Laura Farley and Marcia Holland want to thank the following in preparing both teams for the competition: Randy Bishop, Randy Cox, Tracey Johnson, Caitlin Chreighton, Zac Hixson, Judge Katie DeSoto, Judge Karen Townsend, Brian Lowney, Judge Clare Hochhalter, Will Casey, Adam Duerk, Dylan McFarland, Cynthia Ford and Jen Clark.