The Gavel Rankings have been released, and Mercer University School of Law has been ranked No. 4 in the nation. This year’s ranking continues a historic run for the Mercer Advocacy program, which has remained in the top five nationally since 2023, reflecting sustained excellence and a record of distinction at the highest levels of competitive law school advocacy.

Mercer’s top five ranking caps a season that included championship victories at both the National Trial Advocacy Competition and the William Daniel National Criminal Mock Trial Competition; semifinal appearances at the Tournament of Champions and the Fordham Kelly Invitational; and multiple best and outstanding advocate awards. Mercer also advanced to the National Finals in Arbitration, Negotiations and Moot Court. 

The Gavel Rankings evaluate law school advocacy programs based on competitive performance at elite invitational tournaments nationwide, including tournament success, strength of competition and consistency against the country’s top programs.

Mercer Law’s advocacy program — the Mercer Advocacy Council (MAC) — comprises about 60 student advocates who compete nationally in mock trial, arbitration, moot court, client counseling and negotiations. MAC stands among a select group of programs nationwide to have captured national championship titles across multiple disciplines.

The program’s success continues under the leadership of Assistant Dean of Advocacy Katie Powers, LAW ‘09, who is now in her sixth year leading the program in which she once competed as a student advocate, and Associate Director of Advocacy Lauren James, LAW ‘21, whose leadership has been instrumental in her first year on board. MAC’s teams are also supported by a deep roster of experienced coaches, including current and former judges as well as trial lawyers across multiple practice areas.

This national recognition further cements Mercer University School of Law as one of the premier training grounds for trial lawyers in the nation.