Chicago-Kent College of Law’s appellate advocacy program has been ranked second in the country by the Blakely Advocacy Institute at the University of Houston Law Center.

The annual rankings are based on competition results from the preceding academic year. The rankings are used to set the 16-school field for the University of Houston’s Andrews Kurth Moot Court National Championship invitational. Chicago-Kent will compete in the ninth annual Andrews Kurth Championship in January 2017. Chicago-Kent is one of the few law schools to have qualified for this tournament every year since its inception.

“Combined with our #3 ranking in trial advocacy, Chicago-Kent’s reputation as an advocacy powerhouse is well-deserved,” said Chicago-Kent Dean Harold J. Krent. “Effective lawyering turns largely on written and oral communication, so I am delighted that Chicago-Kent’s ranking is first-rate.”

Chicago-Kent tied for second place with Stetson University College of Law.

During the 2015-16 academic year, Chicago-Kent moot court teams won five national and regional championships, five best advocate awards, and four best brief awards. They also scored two finalist finishes, four semifinal finishes, five quarterfinal finishes, six second-best advocate placements, six additional oral advocacy awards and honorable mentions, and three additional brief awards.

Chicago-Kent’s appellate advocacy program is directed by Kent Streseman. More than 50 students participate each year.

Trophy cases for Chicago-Kent’s formidable advocacy programs are on display on the first floor of the law school building.