Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law continued its long-standing tradition of excellence in trial advocacy by winning Region 8 of the National Trial Competition (NTC) for the 14th time in 18 years. This year, both Cumberland teams swept the tournament—an achievement the school has now accomplished eight times in the past 16 years—earning two spots in the national competition. Of the NTC’s 15 regions, Cumberland was one of only three law schools in the nation to sweep its region this year, joining Harvard Law School and UCLA School of Law.
Across the weekend, Feb. 20-22, the two teams won an impressive 34 out of 38 ballots, solidifying Cumberland’s reputation as one of the most consistent and formidable advocacy programs in the country. Both Cumberland teams will compete in the national tournament in Dallas, April 8–11.
The team of second-year student Olivia Lee, third-year student Brady Heard, and second-year student Cooper Gray won all five of their trials losing only one ballot throughout the entire tournament. The team of third-year student Henry Sheils and second-year students Sloane Saxon and Ellie Tidwell also won all five of their trials losing only three ballots throughout the entire tournament. The teams were coached by Judge Jim Roberts, JD ’94, director of National Trial Teams and co-director of Advocacy Programs, Trent Testa, JD ’21, and Omega Adams, JD ’25.
“Competing in the National Trial Competition was one of the most meaningful experiences in my law school journey,” Heard said. “Our success, however, could not have been possible without the tireless work, honest critiques and unwavering dedication from our coaches who challenged us to be powerful, poised, calm and confident.”
Founded in 1975, the NTC is one of the oldest and most prestigious law school trial competitions. The competition is designed to give law students a realistic simulation of trial practice and incorporates every facet of legal advocacy—from rules of procedure and evidence to the strategic presentation of claims and defenses.
“This experience not only strengthened my confidence as a zealous advocate, but also solidified my commitment to continue learning, while remaining humble enough to be teachable,” Heard added. “The lessons in preparation, teamwork and composure in the face of adversity will shape the way I approach every case in the future as I move forward towards a career as a litigator.
"Representing Cumberland in this competition was a privilege,” Sheils said. “I'm proud of the work our team and coaches put in and proud to have stood beside this group."
Judge Roberts, who has coached Cumberland trial teams for 28 years, marked a significant milestone with these victories. These two teams represent the 25th and 26th regional champions he has led to the national rounds.
“I am so proud of our students for the countless hours they devoted on nights and weekends while juggling their schoolwork, jobs and other responsibilities to become better advocates,” Roberts said. “Every one of them displayed tremendous work ethic, dedication and a willingness to learn so they can better serve their clients and their community in the future. I am most proud of the way they conducted themselves with professionalism and civility throughout the competition.”
Roberts noted that Cumberland’s success is strengthened by community support, saying, “We are blessed at Cumberland to have the support of our administration and faculty and amazing coaches who volunteer their time to give back to our program and train the future of our profession. For that, I am indeed thankful.”
Cumberland School of Law’s trial advocacy program continues to garner national recognition, ranking 4th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2025), 2nd in the Gavel Rankings for 2024–25, and 3rd overall in the Trial Competition Performance Rankings since 2016.
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