“Dancing with the Stars” may get toes tapping, but nothing gets first-year law students hopping faster than the finals of the John Black Moot Court Tournament sponsored by the UHLC Advocates student organization.

A total of 28 teams competed this year – the 40th year of the tournament – and the dance card has been distilled to two finalists that will rumba at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 25 in Krost Hall. In this corner, representing the appellee, are Sara Richey & Jayson Booth. Opposing them on behalf of the appellant will be Richard Hinojosa & Benjamin Ochoa.

Three esteemed members of the judiciary will judge the competition, with the Honorable Justice Jeff Brown of the 14th Court of Appeals teaming with the Honorable Jennifer Elrod of the U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit and Judge Reece Rondon of the234th Harris County Civil District Court.

If it pleases the court, anyone attending the final round is cordially invited to join in free BBQ and beverages in the courtyard, courtesy of the Blakely Advocacy Institute.

FYI, the John Black Moot Court Tournament was founded in 1968 by five soon-to-be luminaries seeking to honor a classmate stricken with cancer. The Founding Five included John O’Quinn ’67, Joe Draughn ’67, Stuart Kinard ’67, Jack Rains ’67, and James (Jim) Parsons ’68.