McKercher LLP congratulates the USask College of Law team on an impressive performance at the Sopinka Cup National Moot, where the team earned a third‑place finish nationally in Ottawa.

After qualifying through the Western/MacIntyre Cup regional competition, the USask team advanced to Nationals to compete against Canada’s top law schools, including the University of Toronto. Their advocacy was recognized with the Best Opening Statement award at the national level, following regional honours for Best Direct Examination and Best Closing Argument.

A special congratulations goes to Shelby Fitzgerald, associate lawyer at McKercher LLP in Saskatoon, who served as team coach. Shelby’s leadership and mentorship were instrumental to the team’s success, reflecting McKercher’s commitment to trial advocacy, professional development, and supporting the next generation of litigators.

“It was a privilege to work with such a talented and driven group of students. Their dedication, preparation, and passion for advocacy were evident at every stage of the competition. I’m very proud of how they represented the [USask] College of Law on a national stage and demonstrated the strength of advocacy training at USask.”

While in Ottawa, the team also had the opportunity to tour the Supreme Court of Canada with Justice Côté, offering a rare and meaningful experience at Canada’s highest court.

The USask team’s participation was supported by the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association, highlighting the strength of the province’s trial advocacy community.

About the Sopinka Cup

The Sopinka Cup is Canada’s premier national trial advocacy competition, held annually in Ottawa and conducted in both official languages. Established in 1999, the competition honours the late Justice John Sopinka of the Supreme Court of Canada and is sponsored by the American College of Trial Lawyers.

McKercher LLP is proud to support initiatives that strengthen the legal profession and foster excellence in advocacy in the Saskatchewan legal community.