Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Hosts US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, Judge Allison Jones Rushing, and Judge Andrew Oldham for Armand Arabian Advocacy Tournament

On Friday, September 25, 2026, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law hosted the final round of its annual Armand Arabian Advocacy Tournament. The prestigious moot court competition challenges law students to argue complex, hypothetical legal issues before a distinguished panel of jurists. This year’s final round featured US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito presiding as chief justice, alongside judge Allison Jones Rushing of the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and judge Andrew Oldham of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Alyssa Schmidt presenting her case in front of the judges panel

Second-year law students Alyssa Schmidt and Sean Gray argued a Fourth Amendment case before the distinguished bench, deftly responding to probing questions from the judges to defend their arguments. This year's competition centered on a timely topic examining the constitutionality of surveillance technology as it becomes increasingly sophisticated and accessible. Following a closely contested round, the panel named Schmidt the 2026 champion.

Reflecting on the experience, Schmidt felt “lucky and honored to even have the opportunity to argue in front of such a distinguished panel, as well as my fellow classmates.”

Gray echoed Schmidt’s sentiments, describing the opportunity to argue before a Supreme Court justice as an "unbelievable experience," crediting Caruso Law’s professors with helping prepare him for the moment.

The Arabian Tournament serves as Pepperdine Caruso Law's premier fall moot court competition and is open to all second- and third-year law students. The tournament honors the late justice Armand Arabian, a longtime champion of the law school who served on the Los Angeles Superior Court, the California Court of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court from 1972 to 1996 prior to his passing in 2018.

Dean Caron (far left) with Judge Oldham (center left), Justice Alito (center), and Judge Rushing (right)

Opening the proceedings, Paul Caron, the Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of the law school, noted that the competition continues to reflect the "excellence in oral advocacy we seek to develop in our students at Pepperdine Caruso Law."

As champion, Schmidt received a $2,500 prize from the Arabian Fund and a $1,000 award provided by alumnus Terry Giles (JD '74) in honor of his friend Philip Vincent. Runner-up Gray was awarded $1,500, with each semifinalist receiving $500.

Following the arguments, members of the judicial panel commended both finalists for their exceptional preparation, poise, and persuasive advocacy, noting that they demonstrated the level of skill and composure expected in real appellate practice while highlighting the strength of Pepperdine Caruso Law’s advocacy curriculum. Judge Rushing specifically praised Gray’s

effective rebuttal strategy, noting that he went “right to the heart of what I think was likely the respondent’s most vulnerable position.”

Judge Oldham similarly applauded the caliber of both competitors. “Both of you are an incredible credit to this institution,” he said. “You both could step into a court of appeals or the supreme court today and argue very credibly.”

Addressing Schmidt’s performance, Oldham highlighted her confidence and command of the courtroom. “Your poise was extraordinary,” he said. “[You] had a mastery of the courtroom that I think far exceeds your years and experience. You understood what you could give and what you couldn’t, and you were quite concise and principled in it.”

Justice Alito echoed his colleagues’ praise, noting that both Schmidt and Gray demonstrated a level of maturity and skill that he considered to be beyond their years. Before announcing the champion, Justice Alito acknowledged how closely contested the final round had been. “The only unpleasant aspect of our experience here today is having to pick a winner because it was close. It was really close,” he said. “We decided by a hair that the winner is Ms. Schmidt.”

At the close of the competition, Caron expressed his appreciation to the panel.

"On behalf of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, I want to thank our fantastic final round bench, Justice Samuel Alito, Judge Andrew Oldham, and Judge Allison Jones Rushing for being with us today and giving our students this incredible opportunity," said Caron.

The Caruso Law team with Judge Oldham (left center), Justice Alito (center), and Judge Rushing (center right)

Kimberley Baker Guillemet, Co-Director of the Appellate Advocacy Program for Internal Competitions, praised both students for their impressive performances before the distinguished judicial panel and expressed gratitude for the judges’ thoughtful feedback and mentorship.

“We were deeply inspired by the tenacious student advocates who commanded the courtroom with their mastery of the law, and are immensely grateful to Justice Alito, Judge Oldham, and Judge Rushing for gracing us with their brilliance and mentorship,” Guillemet said.

Morgan Lindsay (JD '14), fellow Co-Director of the Appellate Advocacy Program for Internal Competitions, likewise commended the student participants for their courage, tenacity, and willingness to embrace the challenge. She emphasized the value of the competition as an opportunity for students to grow, receive meaningful feedback, and look toward their futures in the legal profession.

“From start to finish, the Arabian competition was a joy," shared Lindsay. "In the midst of the rigors of law school, many courageous 2L and 3L students signed up voluntarily, put in tremendous effort, and skillfully navigated a complex problem. Regardless of whether they advanced, each student participant received feedback from practicing attorneys and engaged in a rich growth opportunity."

She added, “And the opportunity to host such esteemed members of the federal judiciary was the icing on the cake. For the finalists, it was an opportunity of a lifetime. For everyone else in

the audience, it was exciting and inspiring. These moments in law school are critical to energizing students and inspiring them to lean into challenges with courage and anticipate a bright and meaningful future."

Learn more about the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law moot court competitions on the program’s website.