At Big Bend Law, we’re proud to see the next generation of legal professionals gaining real-world experience right here in our region.
On April 11, students from Sul Ross State University’s Department of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice presented their first-ever mock trial at the Brewster County Courthouse in Alpine, Texas. Presided over by 394th District Judge Monty Kimball, the event gave students the opportunity to step into courtroom roles—attorneys, witnesses, and more—in a full courtroom setting.
Student participants included Isabela Holguin, Tannah Routledge, Saul Barrientes, Michelle Olivas, Angel Soto, Laila Salido, Melissa Fierro, Jasmine Garcia, and Joseph Roberts.
“The students put on an incredible performance that was well-attended by both community members and legal professionals,” said Dr. Basibyuk Oguzha, department chair. “Many audience members expressed how much they enjoyed it and congratulated our students for their dedication and professionalism.”
The mock trial reflected not just the students’ preparation but also the guidance of legal mentors and educators including Chris Carlin of the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Alpine, Dr. Benjamin Barrientes, and Dr. Ercan Balcioglu.
This type of hands-on learning is crucial in helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice. At Big Bend Law, led by Attorney Rod Ponton, we know how important it is to foster strong legal education and community engagement in rural West Texas. It’s exciting to see Sul Ross shaping students who may soon serve as attorneys, law enforcement professionals, and justice advocates in the Big Bend region and beyond.
For more information on the Sul Ross program, contact Dr. Oguzha at oguzhan.basibuyuk@sulross.edu.
—Published by Big Bend Law, proudly serving Alpine, Marathon, Fort Davis, Terlingua, Presidio, and all of Brewster and Jeff Davis counties.
Image Source: https://www.sulross.edu/sul-ross-students-host-mock-trial-at-brewster-county-courthouse/
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