Ellis was joined by seven classmates on the law school's Mock Trial team at the National Trial Competition Regional held at Wake Forest University on Feb. 6-8.
At first, Kristian Ellis L’26 didn’t think she belonged in a courtroom. After a year at Elon Law, she’s found her comfort zone there.
Enrolling in law school, she imagined a future in transactional work, away from public arguments and imposing judicial benches. But introductory and trial advocacy courses unearthed a hidden talent for advocacy and led to her joining Elon Law’s Mock Trial Team. Now, the courtroom is where she intends to make her legal career.
“Mock trial made me more comfortable in the courtroom and showed me that my personality fits best in that environment,” Ellis said. “Now I can’t imagine not litigating.”
Earlier this month, Ellis was named one of the Top 6 Attorneys at the American College of Trial Lawyers National Trial Competition Regional, held at Wake Forest University and administered by the Texas Young Lawyers Association. The honor came in a field of 42 student attorneys from law schools across the region.
Ellis competed alongside co-attorney Nicolas D’Amelio L’26 and witnesses Justin Howard L’26 and Harrison Jordan L’26 in a case problem inspired by the film “My Cousin Vinny.” The competition required students to argue both sides of the fictional criminal case. Ellis delivered the opening statement for the defense in the first round and later presented a closing argument for the prosecution, incorporating judges’ feedback between rounds.
With support from Riddle and Riddle Injury Lawyers, at justicecounts.com, Elon Law fielded two teams at the Feb. 6-8 regional. The second team featured Tyler Altreche L’26 and Benjamin Beach L’26 as attorneys, with Benita Kamalandua L’26 and Savannah Henderson L’26 as witnesses.
Though the teams did not advance to nationals, Ellis said the preparation process — including scrimmages against teammates and detailed coaching from Professor of Law Bob Minarcin, director of the Mock Trial Program, and attorney and former District Court Judge for Guilford County Marcus Shields — sharpened her advocacy skills and confidence.
“The moment Kristian stepped into the well of the courtroom and delivered her closing argument, I knew I was watching something special,” Minarcin said. “She’s a natural: commanding, confident, and compelling. With continued practice, she’s only going to sharpen those already impressive skills. I genuinely feel for the opposing counsel who will one day face her across a real courtroom.”
For Ellis, the recognition affirmed what she discovered at Elon Law: she belongs in the courtroom.
At Elon Law, Ellis is active as a member of the Honor Council, Black Law Students Association, and the Intellectual Property and Sports & Entertainment Law Society. She is also an admissions ambassador and teaching assistant.