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What success looks like: TU Law student is making his mark

University of Tulsa College of Law student Matthew Cecconi (2L) recently added to his growing list of accomplishments with two prestigious accomplishments.

First off, Cecconi has been named a Holloway Scholar by the Oklahoma City chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Recipients of this scholarship are selected based on criteria that include the pursuit of a legal career involving the federal courts, actions demonstrating ethics, civility and professionalism, academic merit, written and oral communication skills, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

Matthew Cecconi smiling and wearing a white shirt, crimson tie and blue blazer
Matthew Cecconi

“I am deeply honored to receive a Holloway Scholarship,” Cecconi said. “Judge William J. Holloway, Jr., was an outstanding jurist and well respected by all, and I hope to continue in that legacy.”

National Health Law Moot Court Competition

Cecconi also recently competed in the National Health Law Moot Court Competition, hosted online by Southern Illinois University College of Law (Nov. 6-7). Teams from various law schools across the country took part, addressing this year’s timely theme: Public Health Response to the Coronavirus.

Of the 32 teams competing, the duo of Hannah Frosch (3L) and Cecconi won third place in the overall competition. Fourth place went to their TU Law colleagues Carter Fox (3L), Kristin Rodriguez (2L) and Cole Way (3L). TU Law Dean Lyn Entzeroth congratulated the intrepid quintet, noting that “this prestigious competition demands tremendous aptitude and hard work, which these remarkable future advocates amply demonstrated.”

“Matthew’s ability to edit, write and work as a team is absolutely incredible,” said his teammate Frosch. “This was my second year returning to the team, but Matthew came in with such grace and confidence that we were able to succeed beyond my wildest dreams. He is truly talented and received incredibly high speaking scores throughout the competition.”

TU Law’s Health Law Team dedicated its season to Professor Evelyn Hutchison, a deeply respected and influential faculty member who recently passed away. Professor Hutchison was the Board of Advocates advisor for many years and worked closely with the Health Law competition teams.

Cecconi credits TU Law with preparing him for the success he has enjoyed this semester. “My professors and the college as a whole have done an incredible job preparing me for my career. Through my first year-and-a-half as a law student, I have been exposed to lawyers from around Tulsa and members of both the state and the federal judiciary.”

After graduating, Cecconi hopes to be selected for a judicial clerkship before working in appellate litigation. He currently serves as associate editor of the Tulsa Law Review, the college’s flagship journal, and executive director of the Public Interest Board, a student organization that serves the community and helps TU Law students develop a lasting commitment to public service.

At The University of Tulsa College of Law, expert faculty will prepare you to meet the highest standards – yours and the legal profession’s. Learn more today and start planning your exceptional future.

Pallarez and Young win Native American moot court competition

Manuel Pallarez and Randall Young, third-year law students at The University of Tulsa, won first place in the National Native American Law Student Association Moot Court Competition, March 2-4, 2018.

The 26th annual competition included 200 law students from 45 schools and was hosted by the Arizona State University (ASU) Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law NALSA Chapter in Phoenix and the ASU Indian Legal Program.

200 students from 45 law schools competed

Each year, the moot court competition gives students from across the U.S. an opportunity to argue the most compelling issues in federal Indian law and tribal governance. Throughout the year, team conduct intensive legal research to write an appellate brief and prepare oral arguments.

“The College of Law is very proud of Manuel and Randall for achieving this honor in the national NALSA moot court competition,” said Lyn Entzeroth, dean of the TU College of Law. “Students in our Native American Law education program have the opportunity to study with our outstanding Indian Law faculty.  Manuel and Randall are impressive students who represent our law school well.”

“I was shocked when our team was announced as the victors.”

Pallarez said, “As a two-year member of the National NALSA Moot Court Team, it was an honor and a privilege to represent TU Law in Phoenix. I am most thankful to our coaches, June Stanley and Brenda Christie (Tulsa-area attorneys). It was their belief in our abilities that made the victory possible. I will be the first to admit that I was shocked when our team was announced as the victors. The entire weekend felt like a dream as we kept advancing. The most satisfying part of the victory was being able to win with a great friend, two great coaches, and for the entire TU community. This will absolutely be a memory that I cherish for a long time.”

Young added, “Throughout the competition, every team we played would have made their law schools proud. Particularly in from the elite eight moving forward, we encountered insightful legal analysis and stellar advocacy. Competing with our colleagues from among 45 sister schools helped us hone our arguments going into the final round. That being said, as an alumnus of The University of Tulsa’s History and English programs, and now a 3L at the TU College of Law, I felt especially prepared to learn quickly, think of my feet and argue persuasively. In my mind, our accomplishment represents not only our personal dedication, but also the University’s mission to foster critical thinking and excellence.”

For more information on TU Law’s Native American Law Center, visit our website.