This year’s competition was held in Austin and once again brought together teams from 9 Texas law schools for one of the most unique trial advocacy competitions in the country.
Created by TEX-ABOTA, Best in Texas is dedicated to teaching law students the art of jury selection—one of the most important, yet often under-taught, skills in trial advocacy. Over three days, teams of three law students conduct voir dire with real citizens serving as prospective jurors and then present opening statements to the juries they select. Actual judges preside over the rounds, while ABOTA members from across Texas serve as Judges and evaluators.
The competition reflects TEX-ABOTA’s commitment to preserving the civil jury trial and preparing the next generation of Texas trial lawyers to practice with excellence, professionalism, and civility.
We are proud to recognize this year’s outstanding teams and advocates:
🏆 CHAMPIONS
University of Texas School of Law
🥈 FINALIST
Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University
⚖️ SEMIFINALISTS
South Texas College of Law Houston
St. Mary’s University School of Law
🤝 CIVILITY AWARD
SMU Dedman School of Law
PROFESSIONALISM AWARDS
• St. Mary’s – Collin Miller
• South Texas – Phoebe Hamilton
• University of Houston – Madison Arora
• Baylor – Alecia Johnson
BEST OPENING STATEMENT
Bianca Parr – UNT Dallas College of Law
BEST VOIR DIRE
Phoebe Hamilton – South Texas College of Law Houston
Congratulations to all of the students, coaches, judges, ABOTA evaluators, volunteers, and Austin-area citizens who helped make the fifth annual Best in Texas Competition such a success.
The future of trial advocacy in Texas is in good hands.
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