Texas Bar Foundation Grant Supports Pre-Law Students at St. Edward’s University

The Texas Bar Foundation has awarded St. Edward’s University a $6,662 grant to support student participation in local and national mock trial competitions.  

The university’s chapter of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity will use the funds to host an Austin-based competition in spring 2017 and then to travel to the fraternity’s national competition in fall 2017. The Phi Alpha Delta mock trial competition is one of the largest in the country.

Through its grant, the Texas Bar Foundation is providing St. Edward’s students with critical pre-professional skills as they prepare for law school and the legal profession.

Elizabeth Marx ’18, president of the St. Edward's chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity says, “This grant has provided our chapter with opportunities we would not have had otherwise, and it will let students further pursue their interest in law.”

In spring 2017, the St. Edward’s team will host a mock trial, facing off against three teams from Texas universities. The Austin Bar Association and the Austin Young Lawyers Association will assist in recruiting local lawyers to participate as judges and coaches. In fall 2017, St. Edward’s will send a team of four students and a faculty advisor to compete in the national Phi Alpha Delta mock trial competition.

Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $16 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably-funded bar foundation.

About St. Edward's University

St. Edward’s is a private, liberal arts Catholic university in the Holy Cross Tradition with approximately 5,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, with a network of partner universities around the world, St. Edward’s is a diverse community that offers undergraduate and graduate programs designed to inspire students with a global perspective. St. Edward's University has been recognized for 12 consecutive years as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report, and ranks in the top 15 of Best Regional Universities in the Western Region. St. Edward’s has also been recognized by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.