Fornoff Competition Finals
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 | Noon
McQuade Law Auditorium
In this dynamic Moot Court competition, Toledo Law students demonstrate their oral advocacy skills in front of a panel of judges as either plaintiff or defense counsel. This free, public event is presented by The University of Toledo College of Law's Moot Court Board.
Competition Case
Students will tackle a hypothetical case, Katrina Zuniga v. God’s Grace Church, arising under the ministerial exception and Title VII hostile work environment claims regarding employment at a religious organization. Students evaluated case law to determine 1) if the ministerial exception creates a categorical bar to Title VII claims brought against a religious organization by a ministerial employee; and 2) if the ministerial exception does not categorically bar such Title VII clams, if there is a genuine issue of material fact relating to whether the intangible employment actions alleged by the Plaintiff amount to severe or pervasive work environment under Title VII?
Finalists
Haley Bennett and Amanda Wendt are representing Katrina Zuniga (appellant). Chris Albert and Devin Glaza are representing God’s Grace Church (appellee).
Chris Albert
Haley Bennett
Devin Glaza
Amanda Wendt
Judicial Panel
The presiding panel of distinguished judges include Judge Hon. James R. Knepp II '92, Judge Hon. Christine E. Mayle, and Justice Noah P. Hood.
Watch the Competition
About the Competition
The Charles W. Fornoff Appellate Advocacy Competition is named for former Dean Charles W. Fornoff and honors his tenure as a Toledo Law professor and administrator from 1939-70. Fornoff actively sought to safeguard educational opportunities for all aspiring lawyers.
This year marks the 54th anniversary of the intra-school competition, which helps second- and third-year students gain real-world experience in oral advocacy. The competition begins with dozens of participants each spring and continues into the following fall semester.
The college's Moot Court Board organizes the competition. Professor Glenys Spence serves as the Fornoff faculty advisor. Judge Jeffery Helmick, U.S. district judge for the Northern District of Ohio, coordinates the judges' panel.
Additional Information
Explore Fornoff Competition Details to learn more about the competition case, participants, judges, and more.