MINNEAPOLIS, MN: The nationally ranked UIC Mock Trial team placed 4^th at the American Mock Trial Association National Tournament that was held on March 17 – 19^th, 2006, in Minneapolis Minnesota.  The tournament consisted of about 42 teams and UIC missed a bid to the Championship Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa as only the top three advance further.  The team earned a record of 5-2-1, (5 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie) falling just behind the University of Madison, Wisconsin who finished with a 6-2 record.  Throughout the tournament, UIC faced St. Ambrose, Kenyon College, Washington University, and The University of Alabama. 

UIC placed higher than any other team out of the Joliet regional where it received its bid.  These teams included The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Loyola, and Lewis University.  This was an especially significant accomplishment considering that every member of the team other than co-captains Karim Rajabali and Alana Zusis were first year members.  Once again reaffirming its position in AMTA as a powerhouse, returning members are looking forward to competing next year for a bid to the Championship Tournament and will be looking for new recruits early next fall. 

Karim Rajabali, team co-captain was once again recognized individually for his performance as a defense attorney and received an Outstanding Attorney Award.

In this year’s case, the State vs. Tyler Perry, the defendant, Tyler Perry, is accused of kidnapping a thirteen-year old child for a ransom of $250,000.  Each team is required to present both sides of the case twice over the course of four rounds.  Both attorney and witness roles must be well prepared as they weigh in equally in the scoring of the ballots. 

UIC was complimented by judges for their preparation, professionalism, courtroom demeanor, and understanding of the rules of evidence.  Witnesses were commended on their ability to engage the judges with interesting testimony and ability to develop a character outside of their own.  Attorneys were praised for their ability to adjust and ‘think on their feet’ if a certain part of the trial didn’t go according to plan. 

The UIC Mock Trial team is headed by captains: Karim Rajabali (Senior, Accounting/Finance) and Alana Zusis (Senior, Economics/Psychology).  Team coaches Nicholas Gowen and Carrie Fino and team advisors Judge A.C. Cunningham and Patrick Reardon provided their expertise and were key elements to the team’s success.  Team members this year were: Shahzeen Karim (Junior, Criminal Justice/Philosophy), Anahit Gomtsian (Junior, Political Science/French), Zenda Johnson (Senior, Political Science/French), Jessica Stein (Junior, Philosophy), Towfiq Farraj (Junior, Political Science/Economics), Kevin Parecha (Sophomore, Economics/Political Science), Ryan Nolte (Junior, Philosophy), Natasha Shah (Senior, Biology).

Regional Tournament
February 18-19, 2006

Joliet, IL - The UIC Mock Trial Team recently competed at the 2006 Regional Tournament on February 18th and 19th at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet, Illinois.  The teams overall performance was just short of outstanding however due to some tough breaks on the ballot, finished with a 4-4 record.  The team did earn a bid to the Silver National Tournament which will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota near the end of March.  A top placing at this tournament will ultimately earn them a bid to the National Championship Tournament, which will be held in April.  The team began by splitting ballots (tie), with top ranked Lewis University.  The team also faced Depaul University, The University of Illinois - Champaign, as well as Lewis University for a second time in the final round.  Of the 4 lost ballots, one was by a mere 2 points and another by 3.  One individual, Karim Rajabali, received an outstanding attorney award as both a prosecution and defense attorney.  The team will continue to practice and improve in preparation for the National Tournament. 

Check back here for more Mock Trial news in the spring.  Team captains Karim Rajabali and Alana Zusis will keep us updated on their season.
 

NATIONAL LEWIS UNIVERSITY INVITATIONAL

The Mock Trail Team had its first invitational tournament on November 19th, 2005 at Lewis University.  It was a informal season opening tournament that provided a good chance to let new team members get their feet wet.  UIC's team placed 2nd at the tournament and had one individual receive an outstanding attorney award (Ryan Nolte) and one individual receive an outstanding witness award (Jessica Stein).  The team was 3-1 and the ballot lost was only by 1 point to host Lewis University.  UIC also beat Lewis on one ballot and beat Loyola on both ballots. 

Check back here for more Mock Trial news in the spring.  Team captains Karim Rajabali and Alana Zusis will keep us updated on their season.  For more Political Science news click here.

2004-05
 

NATIONAL TOURNEY AT E. KENTUCKY U.

March 2005 - UIC placed 8th overall with five wins and three losses in the three-day tournament in Richmond, KY.  Victories over the Michigan State and a win and a split with Washington University overcame a loss to eventual divisional champs the University of Iowa.  Rishi Shah, an alternate team member, drew last minute duties lead attorney for the bye-buster team.  Comprised of ad hoc alternates from competing squads, Rishi took home an Outstanding Attorney Award.

REGIONAL TOURNEY AT NATIONAL-LEWIS

February 2005 - UIC advanced to the National Tournament in Kentucky with five wins and three losses in the two-day tournament.  Victories over the University of Chicago and DePaul offset a loss to frequent foes, National-Lewis University.
 

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY INVITATIONAL

January 2005 - UIC freshman Afia Yunus won her second straight Outstanding Attorney Award, but the UIC team finished out of the running albeit amidst controversy over the ballot count.

NATIONAL-LEWIS UNIVERSITY INVITATIONAL

November 2004 - UIC places 2nd with six team members receiving outstanding attorney and outstanding witness awards.  Drawing the host campus for both rounds, UIC won the first and tied the second contest.

2003-04
UIC RECEIVES HONORABLE MENTION
     UIC wins 11^th Place at the National
     Championship Tournament in Des Moines, IA.
     Read more…

UIC ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
     UIC wins 2^nd Place at the National Tournament
     in Richmond, KY.  The team advances to the
     National Championship Tournament in
     Des Moines, Iowa.  Read more…
 
UIC ADVANCES TO NATIONALS
     UIC places 3^rd at the 2004 Regional Tournament,
     winning a bid to the National Tournament in
     Richmond, KY.  Read more…

UIC PLACES 1ST AT NORTHWESTERN INVITATIONAL
     UIC Flames kick off the 2004 season with victory.  
    Read more...