The Bankruptcy Moot Court Team at Maryland Carey Law capped weeks of rigorous preparation with outstanding performances at their recent competitions.
Fourth Circuit Regional Competition
On February 16, the team of Sophia Fodor ’26 and Ikenna Mbaruguru ’26 advanced to the finals at the Fourth Circuit Regional Competition for the third consecutive year, continuing Maryland Carey Law’s impressive streak. The team earned Second Place in the competition, held at the historic E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C.
This year’s competition problem was complex and required fielded probing questions informed by landmark cases such as LTL Management LLC v., No. 23-2971 (3d Cir. 2024) and Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P., 603 U.S. 204 (2024). Panels of seasoned judges and experts pressed competitors to defend positions, anticipate counterarguments, and adapt quickly.
Midwest Regional Moot Court
Maryland Carey Law’s Bankruptcy Team had two student teams, Matthew D’Ambrosi ’26 with Annie Kelly ’27 and William Andrews ’26 with Courtney Patterson ‘26, compete in the virtual 8th Annual Midwest Regional Moot Court. Each team performed well, demonstrating a command of the bankruptcy code and case law. The competition problem presented no easy substantive resolution, mirroring the uncertainty practitioners face as bankruptcy doctrine continues to shift under recent Supreme Court scrutiny.
Duberstein Moot Court Competition
Maryland Carey Law was represented by Fodor, Mbaruguru and Courtney Patterson ’26 at the national Duberstein Moot Court Competition held at St. John’s University on February 28 and March 1. The team earned a spot in the Octo-Rounds, signifying their advancement to the top sixteen teams out of the fifty-nine competing.
In addition to the impressive results, what also stood out most was the team’s growth. From day one of class to the final rounds, students demonstrated marked development in their command of complex doctrine, oral persuasion, and professional judgment. Their progress reflected not only long hours of preparation, but their commitment to experiential learning through the co-curricular bankruptcy course.
The Bankruptcy Moot Court course, taught by Judge (ret.) Robert Gordon ’97, supported by bankruptcy attorney Bud Stephen Tayman and Heather Terech, is designed to bridge theory and practice. Students grapple with unsettled questions, learn to argue multiple sides credibly, and receive intensive feedback that accelerates their development as advocates.