Order Of The Barristers Names 2023 New Members

by Margaret Beccavin | May 18, 2023

The Order of the Barristers is a national honorary organization for recently graduated law students. Selected students have shown excellence in oral advocacy, brief writing skills, and appellate advocacy. Selected students have done this through competitions and programs such as Moot Court, Mock Trial, and the Charles W. Fornoff Appellate Advocacy Competition. New members are chosen in a competitive and selective process by members of the faculty and administration.

The 2023 new members of the Order of the Barristers are:

Ahmed Atari
Wesley Henkel
Samantha Knapp
Sarah Knepp
Alona Matchenko
Brie Palmer
Liz Quinn
John Robinson
Will Robinson
Natalie Sullivan
Professor Joe Slater (honorary membership)

Throughout the 2022-23 academic year, Toledo Law students competed in a multitude of competitions that showcased their oral and written skills. The Ohio Attorney General's (OAG) Mock Trial Team placed first and third in Columbus, Ohio, the Moot Court Gaming Law team placed third in Las Vegas, and students organized the first ever Trial Advocacy Spring Competition, which was open to all Toledo Law students. Moot Court was advised by Professor Eric Chaffee and Professor Krysten Beech. The Fornoff Competition was advised by Professor Beech. Mock Trial was advised by Professor Bryan Lammon.

“Throughout their time at the College of Law, I have had the privilege of getting to know each of this year's inductees into the Order of the Barristers,” says Chaffee. “They have worked hard to develop their skills in oral advocacy through numerous opportunities at the College of Law, and each deserves this honor. They have been outstanding members of the College of Law community, and I am sure that each of them will be successful wherever their careers take them.”

The Order of the Barristers originated in 1965 at The University of Texas at Austin School of Law. The formation of the Order came about to recognize and honor graduating students who excelled in the preparation and presentation of oral arguments. In 1970 the Order was established as a national organization. Toledo Law has had numerous graduates elected to this prestigious organization over the years based on the oral advocacy skills that they developed and perfected at the College.