Lionel O. Grossman Trial Competition

Created in 1978 and named after College of Law Alumnus, Lionel O. Grossman, this trial competition represents a cornerstone of the College of Law’s highly prestigious advocacy program. The competition, which is held each fall, is designed to give second and third-year students a chance to test their knowledge of trial practice, courtroom etiquette, and the rules of evidence. Lionel O. Grossman L’16 passed away in October 1991; at that time, he was one of the College of Law’s oldest living alumni. Mr. Grossman’s sons, Richard D. and Murray A. Grossman, serve as family representatives for the Competition. Both have followed in their father’s footsteps and have continued his legacy of excellence through distinguished service to Central New York.

Frank H. Armani Award

Frank H. Armani L’56, stands as a role model for legal ethics. In 1973, he made an immeasurable personal sacrifice during his representation of Robert Garrow, the defendant in the Lake Pleasant Murder case. Mr. Armani’s perseverance and unwillingness to defy the oath he took as an attorney was truly remarkable. His selfless act, in the face of inconceivable opposition, strengthened our legal system, and redefined what it means to be a lawyer. In recognition of his years of exemplary professionalism and dedication to the legal field, the Syracuse University College of Law and the Moot Court Honor Society are pleased to announce the creation of the Frank H. Armani Advocacy Award. The award serves to acknowledge the duty all lawyers have to provide zealous and ethical legal representation to their clients. It is in honor of Mr. Armani, who upheld this duty in the face of inconceivable opposition, that this award will be presented annually to the student attorney who best demonstrates these attributes throughout the Lionel O. Grossman Trial Competition.

Fall 2012 Tournament Directors: Jacqueline Lawrence and Laura Krieger

An information session will be held on September 5, 2012 for those students interested in participating in the Grossman Trial Competition. Registration is due on September 12, 2012 in the MCHS Office by 5pm. Preliminary Rounds are scheduled to take place October 4-6 at the College of Law, with the Final Round scheduled to take place at the James M. Hanley Federal Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom on October 18. The Honorable Glenn Suddaby will sit again as Presiding Judge of the Final Round with a jury box full of honored and distinguished Evaluating Judges. For more information about this year's competition, or if you are interested in judging some of SUCoL's finest advocates in the competition this year, please contact MootCourt@law.syr.edu. CLE credit may be available for those who judge preliminary rounds.

Materials for the upcoming 2012 Competitions will be posted as they become available.