BlueAtlas

The 11th annual South Texas Mock Trial Challenge attracted some of the nation’s most talented law students for a four-daycompetition in Houston —in an eagerly awaited return to an in-person format.

Teams from 39 schools competed in the March 24-27 competition, while more than 100 South Texas College of Law Houston students served as bailiffs, volunteers and fact witnesses. Last year, rather than cancel the tournament amid worldwide COVID-19 restrictions, STCL Houston held a successful virtual competition.

Three of South Texas College of Law Houston’s most distinctive experiential learning programs were recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings, with perennial national powerhouse Trial Advocacy moving up to No. 3 in the country.

Dispute Resolution also advanced, to No. 15 in the country, and Legal Writing ranked No. 31.

For South Texas College of Law Houston Law Professor Njeri Mathis Rutledge’s birthday Monday, she received the ultimate present: tickets to attend the first two days of confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, nominee for the U.S Supreme Court.

“I am so happy to participate in this historic event,” Rutledge said. In the photos of the first day of the hearings, Prof. Rutledge is wearing royal blue and sitting a few rows behind Judge Jackson as she is introduced.