Precision and Persuasion on Display at Baylor Law School’s 2026 Faegre Drinker Spring Moot Court Competition
A long-lost guitar, a claim of fraud, and a contract between friends set the stage for Baylor Law School’s 2026 Faegre Drinker Spring Moot Court Competition. After navigating complex legal issues and multiple rounds of argument, the team of Lillian Hawkins and Mackenzie Gillette emerged as champions at the end of the rigorous, multi-week competition.
The competition featured 128 competitors in 64 teams who demonstrated their abilities in a challenging appellate case. Following the initial rounds, 26 teams advanced beyond spring break, narrowing the field to the top advocates who ultimately argued in the final round. Students who were among the best speakers in the preliminary rounds, along with members of the teams that advanced after spring break, were named Barristers, a title of honor recognizing their advocacy skills.
The team of Vivek George and Meredith Martinez finished as finalists. Semi-finalists were the teams of Ally Kendziorski and Pemberly Farmer, and Tessa Lasit and Elayna Rusgo.
This year’s problem centered on a dispute between two lifelong friends over the sale of a guitar purportedly played by John Lennon on several Beatles recordings in the 1960s, only to be revealed as a fake. Competitors were tasked with addressing two key issues: whether a disclaimer-of-reliance clause barred a fraudulent-inducement claim and whether the summary-judgment evidence negated the reliance element as a matter of law.
“The problem challenged students to navigate nuanced issues of fraud and reliance while maintaining credibility with the court,” said Professor Jessica Kincaid, who coordinated the competition. “It was especially rewarding to see our students rise to the occasion and deliver thoughtful, persuasive arguments at every stage.”
More than 180 student barristers volunteered to serve as judges throughout the competition. The final round was judged by a panel that included practicing attorneys David Kent of Faegre Drinker, who served as Chief Justice, along with Jennifer Richards of Richards Law, Professor Jim Underwood, Professor Larry Bates, Professor Rachel Kincaid, and Fall Moot Court Competition champions Sam Hagen and Jake Hatcher.
Individual advocacy honors were also awarded. Ashlyn Dodson was named Best Speaker, followed by Elexis Wiebe as Second-Best Speaker and Adam Densmore as Third-Best Speaker. Additional top speakers, listed alphabetically, included Jason Bryant, Michael Fradenburg, Peter Geigle, Olivia GrafMank, Andy Mayfield, Kaylie Moczygemba, Anu Pillai, Dominic Vecino, and Koy Wilson.
The Spring Moot Court Competition provides students with a meaningful opportunity to sharpen their advocacy skills in a challenging, real-world setting. Baylor Law School sincerely appreciates Faegre Drinker’s generous support of the Spring Moot Court Competition.
