WashU Law’s National Moot Court Team delivered a standout performance at the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition finals, earning a place among the top four teams in the largest and most competitive moot court competition country.
3Ls Zachary Irovando, Sealy Sikes, and Sarah Tyler advanced to the national semifinals placing fourth among more than 170 teams from nearly 100 law schools. The team also secured the third-ranked brief in the nation. Individually, Irovando placed as the second-ranked speaker, while Tyler ranked ninth out of more than 500 competitors.
The result marks the third-highest finish in the program’s history. WashU Law last captured the national title in 2012 and finished as runner-up in 2018, continuing a strong tradition of appellate advocacy success.
Irovando, Sikes, and Tyler previously won the Chicago Regional of the NAAC this past February. As 2Ls, Sikes and Tyler finished as the National Runner-Up in the William B. Spong Invitational Moot Court Tournament, where Tyler was recognized as the best speaker in the competition. Irovando finished as a finalist in the Wiley Rutledge Moot Court Competition in two consecutive years and was recognized as having the best brief both years.
Coached by Professor Richard Finneran and attorney Sasha Riedisser, the team’s performance reflects both preparation and consistency at the highest level of competition.
