Nov. 20, 2007

Student named a Best Attorney at mock trial tournament

Jill Bohnker, a senior at Morningside College, was recognized as a Best Attorney at the Creighton Mock Trial Invitational Tournament that was Nov. 2-3 in Omaha, Neb.

There were 23 teams competing at the mock trial tournament at Creighton University. They came from as far as Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado. Bohnker was one of only 10 students to be named a Best Attorney.

“This is a well-deserved award for Jill,” said Dr. Lillian López, associate professor of political science, who coaches Morningside’s mock trial team with attorney Amy Ellis. “I have seen how Jill has developed her skills in the role of an attorney, and I am delighted that her hard work was recognized by the judges.”

Overall at the Creighton tournament, Morningside’s mock trial team won four ballots, tied one, and lost three. López said she is pleased with all that the team has accomplished this semester.

“I am very happy with the progress that this young team is making,” she said. “There is a lot of talent in the team, and the students continue to work hard in order to compete well.”

Last year Morningside’s mock trial team advanced to the American Mock Trial Association’s National Tournament in St. Petersburg, Fla. Morningside did not win overall in St. Petersburg, but it did win a round against Stanford University.