Maryland Carey Law continues its moot court success with an impressive showing at both the 4th Circuit ABI/ACB Regional Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. The team competed for the first time at the 7th Annual Midwest Regional Moot Court Competition. The preeminent Duberstein Moot Court Competition was a great opportunity, once again, to compete against the best teams across the country.
On February 8th, Ikenna Mbaruguru '26 and Adrienne Fernandez '25 earned their way into the semi-final rounds of the 7th Annual Midwest Regional Moot Court Competition. As first-time competitors in a Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition, they demonstrated a sophisticated grasp of the bankruptcy code and oral advocacy.
On February 17th, Maryland Carey sent two teams to compete at the 4th Circuit ABI/ACB Regional Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. Katherine Strauch (Kate) ’25 and Idean Marvastian ’25 took home first place. Kate was named “Best Oralist” for her exceptional performance. Sophia Fodor ’26 and Mia Conde ’26 finished as runners-up. Notably, the team’s success was a collective effort, with invaluable support from teammates Ikenna Mbaruguru ’26 and Adrienne Fernandez ’25, who played a critical role in helping the competitors prepare through rigorous practice sessions and feedback. For the second year, Maryland Carey earned First Place at the 4th Circuit Competition.
The team’s work culminated at the Duberstein Moot Court Competition at St. John’s University School of Law in New York City, where students had the opportunity to engage with peers from across the country, further deepening their understanding and passion for bankruptcy law. Facing panels of judges in three rounds, the student advocates responded to tough questions drawn from cases that were certified by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The competition requires dedication from students as well as a network of volunteers. Each Saturday, volunteer judges, including current and former bankruptcy judges along with professors, test the students’ knowledge and advocacy skills. Coached by retired Judge Robert Gordon ’87, bankruptcy attorney Bud Stephen Tayman, former team captain Michael Gaskell ’24, and Heather Terech, the students worked throughout the winter break to prepare an appellate brief and oral arguments for the competitions.
Against the backdrop of the continued success of Maryland Carey Law’s Bankruptcy Moot Court teams, interest in Bankruptcy Law among Maryland Carey students has been flourishing. As a result, Bankruptcy Moot Court was added to the credited curriculum this academic year. This course focuses on the complex real-world bankruptcy issues featured in the Duberstein Moot Court Competition. The students expand their substantive knowledge while sharpening their skills in legal research, persuasive writing, and appellate advocacy under the guidance of seasoned coaches.
Congratulations to the entire team for representing Maryland Carey Law with such distinction!