The Barry University School of Law Moot Court Team earned top honors at the National Puerto Rican Bar Association Moot Court Competition, bringing home a first-place finish against law students representing schools from Florida, Illinois, and Puerto Rico. Barry Law defeated Cooley Law School in the championship round to secure the title. Adding to the team’s impressive performance, Barry Law student Brandon Flagler was recognized with the competition’s Best Oral Advocate Award.
Representing Barry Law were Ashley Hernandez Ortiz and Brandon Flagler, coached by Professor and Director of Moot Court Haley Mendola. Together, they successfully argued a complex and highly relevant constitutional law problem that challenged competitors to analyze issues at the intersection of federal authority, territorial governance, and individual rights.
This year’s problem focused on the ongoing legal and constitutional questions surrounding Puerto Rico’s financial crisis and the federal debt restructuring framework established under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, commonly known as PROMESA. Competitors were tasked with addressing whether representations made by the United States before the United Nations General Assembly created an irrevocable compact limiting Congress’s authority under the Article IV Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The case also required advocates to grapple with complex questions regarding municipal debt, government authority, and constitutional protections. Teams examined whether requiring Puerto Rican citizens to shoulder billions of dollars in municipal bond obligations through increased taxation and the threat of home foreclosure could constitute an uncollectible “odious debt” and whether such actions could amount to an unconstitutional taking under the Fifth Amendment.
Success in moot court requires far more than legal knowledge alone. Competitors spend a considerable amount of time researching intricate legal issues, drafting appellate briefs, refining legal analysis, and developing oral advocacy skills. During competition rounds, students must think on their feet while responding to challenging questions from panels of judges and defending their arguments under intense scrutiny.
“This championship showcases the kind of advocacy that defines Barry Law,” said Dean Charles H. Rose III. “Ashley and Brandon demonstrated the ability to think critically, communicate persuasively, and advocate with confidence and purpose. Their performance reflects the practical, advocacy-focused education our students receive and the skills they carry with them into the profession.”
Flagler’s Best Oral Advocate Award further highlights the strength of Barry Law’s showing. The recognition is presented to the competitor who demonstrates outstanding oral argument performance and excellence before the bench.
Barry Law’s Moot Court program provides students with opportunities to develop practical lawyering skills while competing at the highest levels of advocacy. Through rigorous training and mentorship from faculty and legal professionals, students gain experience that prepares them for careers in litigation, judicial clerkships, public service, and private practice.
“Ashley and Brandon were exceptional advocates throughout this competition,” said Professor Haley Mendola. “They trusted each other, adapted to difficult questions, and never lost command of their argument. Watching them rise to the occasion and earn this championship was incredibly rewarding.”
The first-place finish adds another national achievement to Barry Law’s advocacy programs and highlights the strength of the training, mentorship, and competitive opportunities available to students.