College of Law Team Reaches the Semifinal Round of the National Military Trial Competition

The College of Law team of Alexander Gundry L’28, Nicholas Hardy L’27, Sydney Schappell L’27, and Brady Sterpe L’27 reached the semifinal round of the National Military Trial Competition (NMTC). In addition, Sterpe won the Best Direct Examination award.

Dennis Scanlon L’ 19 and Marc Washburn L’99 coached the team

“This competition is both uniquely challenging and highly competitive, bringing together top advocacy programs to litigate complex issues within the distinctive framework of military justice. Advancing to the semifinals is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the team’s preparation, adaptability, and advocacy skills,” said Professor Todd Berger, Director of Advocacy Programs.

Several College of Law alumni returned to judge and evaluate the competition: Ariel Blanco L’29 (USMC); COL Cynthia Kearley (U.S. Air Force); LT Sydney Krause L’24 (U.S. Navy); the Hon. Jeremiah Mahoney L’69 (retired U.S. Air Force, Chief United States Administrative Law Judge); Joseph Nosse L’08 ( U.S. Army.)

NMTC, hosted by Syracuse University College of Law, introduces law students interested in Military Justice and the Judge Advocate General’s Corps to the trial process in military courts. The competition brings together eight teams to compete in a case involving a military court-martial, tried under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the Rules for Courts-Martial (RCM). Teams argue both sides of the case, serving as Trial Counsel (Prosecutor) and Trial Defense Service (TDS) attorneys. Each team is guaranteed four rounds of competition, with rounds potentially judged by current or former Military Trial Judges.