WashU Law held the final round of the Wiley Rutledge Moot Court Competition on November 13 in the Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom. The event brought together two standout teams for an afternoon of appellate advocacy before a distinguished judicial panel.
Ethan Kadet and Christopher Murphy presented arguments for the petitioner, while Zachary Irovando and Sealy Sikes represented the respondent. Both teams advanced through multiple elimination rounds to earn their place in the final.
The competitors argued before Judge David Stras of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; Judge James M. Dowd of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District; and Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Their questions pushed the advocates to clarify their reasoning, refine their positions, and think on their feet.
After deliberation, the panel selected Ethan Kadet and Christopher Murphy as the winners by a majority vote.
Students, faculty, and staff filled the courtroom to watch the arguments unfold. For many students, the session offered a close look at effective advocacy and how skilled advocates build a record, respond to challenging questions, and maintain composure in a real appellate setting.
The Wiley Rutledge Moot Court Competition remains one of WashU Law’s signature traditions, giving students the chance to sharpen their advocacy skills and learn directly from members of the bench.
Congratulations to the finalists!
