CWSL Appellate Team Wins the Pacific Regional Championship

California Western School of Law’s (CWSL) Competitive Advocacy Program Appellate Team won the Pacific Regional Championship and the award for Best Brief at this year’s Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court (TTMC) Competition.

Two talented teams represented the school: 2L Sean Duffy and 3L Jason Pitha; and 3L Raymond Vasquez and 3L Michelle Helbig. Both teams worked tirelessly to prepare—writing, practicing, and refining their arguments alongside their coaches—and delivered outstanding performances throughout the competition.

After two preliminary rounds in the morning, both teams impressed the judges with their advocacy. Sean and Jason advanced to the semifinals, where they delivered a powerful argument against UCLA and won, earning a spot in the final round against UC Hastings. Arguing on behalf of the Petitioner, they triumphed after a full day of competition—four rounds of oral argument in total—and were crowned Pacific Regional Champions. They also received the award for Best Brief in the Pacific Region.

With their regional win, Sean and Jason will now advance to the National Round in Denver, Colorado, on November 7–8, 2025, where sixteen teams from across the country will compete for the title of National Champion.

We also celebrate Raymond and Michelle for their exceptional preparation and advocacy. Their collaboration and dedication contributed enormously to the team’s overall success and helped set the tone for an outstanding performance by both CWSL teams.

Both teams were coached by CWSL alumni Sara Staninger ’14 and Nathan Chisholm ’22, whose expert mentorship and commitment helped guide the competitors to victory.

We are thrilled and incredibly proud of our students. CWSL continues to be a force to be reckoned with—our students dominate, persevere, and succeed at the highest levels of competition.