UH Law Center Mock Trial Team Climbs in National Gavel Rankings, Earns Top Spot in Texas
– The University of Houston Law Center’s Mock Trial Team has climbed to No. 11 nationally and No. 1 in Texas in the 2026-2027 Gavel Rankings.
The team, part of the Blakely Advocacy Institute, rose nine spots from No. 20 ranking in 2024-25 when it tied with the NYU team. Among Texas law schools, UH Law finished ahead of the University of Texas, Baylor University and Texas A&M University teams.
“The jump to No. 11 in this year’s rankings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our UHLC students on the Mock Trial Team,” said Amy Hawk, executive director of the Blakely Advocacy Institute. “It is also proof-positive that the team is thriving under the outstanding leadership of our Mock Trial Team Director Judge Christine Weems and the commitment of our numerous coaches.”
The Gavel Rankings were created by Jared Rosenblatt, a law professor at Hofstra Law School and faculty adviser to Hofstra’s Trial Advocacy Association. The rankings evaluate law schools based on competitive performance at elite mock trial tournaments nationwide, including tournament success, strength of competition and consistency against leading trial advocacy programs.
For Hawk, the value of competition goes beyond winning accolades to providing students learning opportunities.
“Mock trial competitions, and advocacy competitions in general, are critical learning tools for law students because the competitions bridge the gap between legal theory and real-world practice,” she said, adding that participating students hone core legal skills such as critical thinking, persuasive communication, teamwork, confidence, poise, and professionalism.
That training has resulted in new wins this fall semester. Bishara Randolph, 3L; Joseph Leonardo, 3L; and Sam Weinstein, 2L, were first-round winners in the 2026 National Trial League Competition, while Jaime Gutierrez, 3L, and Cara Post, 2L, finished as national finalists and their team was recognized as “Most Professional Team” at the First Chair Trial Competition at Georgia State University College of Law.
Post, who was named Overall Outstanding Advocate at the First Chair Trial Competition, said UH Law’s advocacy training helps students develop their individual strengths.
“Something I really appreciate about UH’s mock trial team is that they focus on helping you find your own voice,” Post said. “The goal isn’t to change us, but to allow us to perfect our own style in a way that jurors can appreciate and relate to.”
Hawk credited the students, coaches and Weems for the team’s success.
“Year after year, the team outperforms itself and brings important recognition to the advocacy training provided by the Blakely Advocacy Institute and the University of Houston Law Center,” Hawk said. “We’re incredibly proud of our students, our coaches, and Judge Weems.”
