Executive Board
Our Executive Board oversees the operations of the UMD Moot Court Team and works to ensure that the organization runs smoothly throughout the year. Board members coordinate team practices, organize events, manage funding and travel for competitions, and support members as they prepare for American Moot Court Association tournaments.
President
Maja Durkovic
Maja Durkovic (she/her) is a senior Public Policy and Government & Politics double major. She has competed with UMD Moot Court since 2024. She is most excited to delve into new case law this season after her time focusing on the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
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Vice President of Finance
Benjamin Nathan
Benjamin Nathan (he/him) is a senior Computer Science major who has been on UMD Moot Court since 2025. This season, he is looking forward to working closely with teammates, building lasting friendships, and competing together throughout the year.
Vice President of Programming
Elizabeth Mazer
Elizabeth Mazer (she/her) is a senior Government and Politics major who has been on the team since 2025. This upcoming season, she is looking forward to reading the new case problem, collaborating with teammates, and welcoming new members to the team!
Vice President of Outreach
Elizabeth Dorokhina
Elizabeth Dorokhina (she/her) is a senior History and English major and has been on the UMD Moot Court team since 2025. She’s looking forward to competing with the team again in the fall!
Vice President of Operations
Ellyse Davisson
Ellyse Davisson (she/her) is a senior Government and Politics and English double major. This is her second season in Moot Court. Ellyse is excited to travel to new schools and continue to compete with her partner this upcoming season.
Brief Writing Captain
Louisa Sanford
Louisa Sanford (she/her) is a junior history and philosophy double major who joined UMD Moot Court in 2025. She’s excited to work on more constitutional issues in the new season!
Oral Advocacy Captain
Annalise Bachmann
Annalise Bachmann (she/her) is a junior double majoring in History and Linguistics. This will be her third year competing with the team and she is excited for brainstorming sessions with the team to come up with new arguments throughout the season.
Our Team
Advocacy. Leadership. Excellence.
Our team is made up of talented and dedicated undergraduate students who bring a wide range of perspectives, skills, and academic backgrounds to moot court. Members are selected through a competitive process and demonstrate exceptional abilities in legal research, persuasive writing, and oral advocacy.
Through countless hours of preparation, collaboration, and practice, our members develop sophisticated legal arguments and represent the University of Maryland with professionalism and excellence at competitions across the country.
Senior
Claire Bandy
Junior
John Paul Ciminera
Senior
Josie Choe
Junior
Kristina Chroneos
Senior
Zachary White
Freshman
Thomas Wenger
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Junior
Pragna Yalamanchili
Senior
Fatima Masood
Sophomore
Harleigh Walker
Sophomore
Sebastian Blondet
Junior
Melanie Pantalone
Senior
David Stanco
Senior
Jared Schreiber
Our Advisors
Our Advisors are experienced legal professionals and former moot court competitors who provide guidance and mentorship to the UMD Moot Court team. Drawing on their professional expertise, they offer valuable insight on legal research, persuasive writing, and effective oral advocacy.
Through their mentorship and support, our advisors help students strengthen their legal reasoning and advocacy skills while preparing for competition. Their experience and dedication play an important role in the continued success of the UMD Moot Court program.
Director
Michael Spivey, J.D., PhD
Michael Spivey is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Government and Politics and has been the Director of UMD Moot Court for five years.
Assistant Director
Kelsey Barnes, J.D.
Kelsey Barnes is a lecturer in the Department of Government and Politics and has been the Assistant Director of UMD Moot Court for five years.
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Graduate Teaching Assistant
Juliana Lange-Asschenfeldt
Juliana Lange-Asschenfeldt is pursuing her M.A. in International Relations and serves as the Graduate Teaching Assistant for UMD Moot Court. She has previously competed with UMD Moot Court from 2024-2026.