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Annual Law School Dinner Highlights John Bolton, Student Advocates, and Professors of the Year

Pepperdine University School of Law welcomed more than 800 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to the 32nd Annual School of Law Dinner on Saturday, Mar. 7, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

The event featured a keynote speech by the Honorable John R. Bolton, former ambassador of the United States to the United Nations. Second-year law student Melissa Thornsberry gave the invocation, while third-year Jerren Wright led the Pledge of Allegiance. Second-year Aly Challoner sang the national anthem.

Law School dean Kenneth W. Starr gave remarks on recent School of Law news and presented the awards for Professor of the Year. Peter Wendel was named 1L Professor of the Year and Robert Popovich was named 2L Professor of the Year.

The final rounds of the Vincent S. Dalsimer Moot Court Competition took place earlier that day. The final round of the competition was judged by Bolton along with Ninth Circuit Judge Johnnie Rawlinson and Fifth Circuit Judge Emilio Garza. After the closing arguments, the judges gave feedback to the students. "I would like to congratulate you four," said Judge Rawlinson. "I commend you for your presence before the court and your knowledge of the facts of the case. You were all prepared, which will serve you well in your careers."

"You're going to be very talented lawyers," said Judge Garza. Judge Bolton added, "I was very impressed by the quality of the advocacy. Congratulations to all of you."

The winners were announced by Starr at the School of Law Dinner that evening. The award for First Place team went to Kathleen Benton and Kimberley Hyson, who argued on the behalf of the petitioner. James McCabe and Jake Nare were awarded second place.

The Annual Law School Dinner is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. For more information, visit the School of Law Web site.