Southwestern Law School students Chinonso Anokwute, Lauren Brasesco, Julianna Montano, and Esteban Urzua won first place at the San Francisco regional round of the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Trial Advocacy Competition, held November 8–9 at the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. 

A second Southwestern team—Kristofer Sosa, Alexis Cornejo-Peril, Xthlali Nunez, and Zachary Fiumara—advanced to the semifinal round, setting up an all-Southwestern semifinal and guaranteeing the school a place in the championship round. Southwestern ultimately faced Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in the final. 

The winning team reached San Francisco after a day of disruptions that forced an abrupt pivot from air travel to the road. With flights canceled during the government shutdown, the students scrambled for last-minute vans, dealt with a failing tire and a repair stop, and arrived behind schedule. Then, just hours before the first round began, they learned the competition had implemented four rule changes. But the team stayed focused and prevailed. 

“It feels incredibly rewarding to have worked so hard for something for so long and finally see it pay off,” Brasesco said. “I’m beyond grateful for my family and friends for their constant love and support, and especially thankful for the most supportive team and best co-counsel I could ask for.” 

Coach Andrew Figueras ‘20, an associate at Yoka | Smith, LLP, emphasized the team’s preparation and cohesion. “I am extremely proud of this team and what they have accomplished together,” he said. “They came together as a whole and consistently worked hard and pushed each other to prepare for this competition and, ultimately, all of it paid off with this win.” 

The first-place team will advance to the national finals in New Orleans in 2026, continuing a tradition of competitive excellence that reflects Southwestern’s emphasis on rigorous advocacy training, teamwork, and real-world courtroom readiness.