The following story originally appeared on the W&M Law School website. – Ed.
The William & Mary Law School National Trial Team has been crowned national champion, earning first place at the National Championships Labor and Employment Law Trial Advocacy Competition held Jan. 24-25 in New Orleans. The prestigious event was hosted by the Labor and Employment Law Section of the American Bar Association.
The winning team — Hampton Bryant ’26, Harshil Patel ’27, Rachel Spruill ’27 and Bridget Wilson ’27 — delivered standout performances throughout the competition under the guidance of coaches Jeffrey Breit and Kevin Biniazan ’17.
The victory marks the culmination of months of preparation. Team member Bridget Wilson reflected on the journey, noting that the team’s case work began in September. After securing second place at the regional tournament in Brooklyn in November, the team was determined to capitalize on their opportunity at the national level.
“I’m so proud of the work my team has put in,” Wilson said. “Harshil and Hampton did a phenomenal job on a plaintiff case that was truly an uphill battle on the merits, and were great defense witnesses, even getting compliments from the jury in the final round.”
Wilson also highlighted the essential partnership with her co-counsel, Rachel Spruill, on the defense side.
“This title was earned not just in our performance this weekend, but in the random midnight texts brainstorming possible themes and scheduled coffee shop meet-ups to write witness examinations,” Wilson said. “And if you ever get to watch Rachel make a closing argument, you are in for a real treat.”
The team’s triumph was bolstered by support from their peers on the National Trial Team, who offered feedback, encouragement, and countless hours of collaboration.
About the National Trial Team
William & Mary’s National Trial Team provides an opportunity to gain significant trial advocacy experience while still in law school. Membership is an honor and accomplishment, with more than 50 first-year students vying for one of approximately 12 open spots each year during the Team’s Annual Selection Tournament.
Selected members take part in a rigorous and comprehensive development program taught by the team’s advisors, Jeffrey Breit, an accomplished trial lawyer and past president of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, and Kevin Biniazan, founding & managing partner of Breit Biniazan, P.C. and professor of trial advocacy for members of William & Mary’s National Trial Team.
Members gain extensive training in all levels of trial advocacy, from evidentiary objections and fundamental trial skills to sophisticated trial strategy and persuasion. Members of the National Trial Team showcase and hone these skills by traveling and competing in competitions all across the U.S.