Special Program Type: Special Programs for JD

Warrior Defense Project

Military Justice Mission

Mission Statement: To offer real-time legal aid to service members wrongfully accused of misconduct in the performance of their official duties, free of charge. Fighting for those who fight for us.

The Warrior Defense Project is an educational and working institution, which operates hand-in-hand with government, business and academia on a variety of legal matters associated with providing legal services to deserving service members. It is our intent that over time, as a sufficient body of knowledge is developed, that the legal lessons learned – while assisting service members in need – may become the basis for fixed templates to more efficiently manage the applicable legal issues of the future.

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The Warrior Defense Project renders real-time support to individual service members on a case-by-case basis. Assistance ranges from help at court martial proceedings, help at administrative proceedings, help with correcting official military records and help at non-judicial proceedings. No charge is required for any assistance provided.

Founded in 2019, the Warrior Defense Project is a fully operational research center dedicated to the study of legal and policy issues associated with the military. Particular emphasis is given to assisting service members in need of legal services. As a research facility, this goal is pursued through teaching; professional exchanges such as symposia and consultations; writing, commenting on and publishing written materials; conducting training; and ensuring access to extensive information resources.

STAFF

The staff consists of administrative personnel, research fellows (second- and third-year law students) and expert consultants (subject matter experts in a variety of areas).

Director: Dr. Jeffrey Addicott, Professor of Law and Director of the Warrior Defense Project, spent 20 years on active duty as an officer in the Army

Judge Advocate General’s Corps., a quarter of that time as the senior legal advisor to the U.S. Army Special Forces. An internationally recognized expert in national security law, Addicott lectures and participates in professional and academic organizations in the United States and abroad and is a frequent contributor to national and international news outlets to include New York Times, FOX NEWS, CNN, etc.

Research Fellows (starting from top, left to right):

Cody Beitel
Dillon Barth
Nathaniel Hawkins
Taylor Newman
Edmond Karam
Oluwadamiloju Aroyewun
Jessica Johnson
Amber Vargas
Catherine Salinas
Laurel O’Donnell
Nicole Meche

Heroic Past

Capt. Dave Staffel

The Warrior Defense Project continues the Military Justice Pro Bono Mission started in 2007 after Professor of Law Jeffrey F. Addicott, S.J.D., took the case of Master Sgt. Troy Anderson and Capt. Dave Staffel. The center was successful in exonerating Anderson and Staffel from a premeditated murder charge of an Afghan man.

In 2011, the Center for Terrorism Law came to the defense of Lt. Joshua Waddell in its first case dealing with the Rules of Engagement. Waddell was exonerated for all perceived wrongdoing in the shooting of an enemy combatant. Though the Marine chain of command was not willing to discuss Waddell’s case, Addicott drew media and congressional attention to the abuse of Rules of Engagement practices.

Master Sgt. Troy Anderson

The center also succeeded in rescinding Maj. John Suprynowicz’s General Officer Letter of Reprimand in 2016. Suprynowicz, an infantry combat veteran in three wars, had been accused of misconduct in a recruiting program sponsored by the Army.

Not only was the center instrumental in getting all the criminal charges quashed, it also provided three detailed rebuttal memorandums to the Commanding General to assist him in his final decision on the General Officer Letter of Reprimand action.

Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch

The center was able to get Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch re-enlisted in the Army in 2017. He was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command for allegations that he had released information concerning the special operations raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011 and for talking about classified information in a local Fox TV interview in 2016.

Conferences and Training

Previously, the center conducted seminars, conferences, and training workshops with business entities, law enforcement agencies (at all levels to include the FBI), Department of Defense, foreign nations and other educational institutions. These events included challenges associated with human rights, cyber terrorism and infrastructure assurance, disaster relief, border issues, bioterrorism, information assurance, personnel recovery and training, and force protection issues. The events have been held in the United States and abroad including in Germany, India, China, England, Mexico, France, Egypt and Israel.

The Warrior Defense Project will continue to participate in conferences and training events.

Media and Public Presentations

The Warrior Defense Project provides legal insight and subject matter expertise regarding the impact of military justice and civil liberties. Addicott has made thousands of media appearances in national and international news outlets. For updates, follow the Warrior Defense Project on Facebook.

Education

Operating through the Warrior Defense Project, the St. Mary’s University School of Law offers individuals experience through pro bono opportunities assisting service members in need of various legal services. It is imperative that the nation have competent and trained attorneys who can successfully operate in both the private and public sectors.

Affiliations

The Warrior Defense Project is affiliated with a variety of institutions – educational, government, military, business and media – to address issues that have impact across multiple disciplines related to concerns facing our armed forces.

Scholarship and Sharing Information

The Warrior Defense Project will continue the center’s traditions of scholarly research. In the past, the Center for Terrorism Law has produced an extensive amount of scholarship on legal issues related to terrorism – law review articles, books and monographs. Further, the center rendered legal briefs in court cases to include the United States Supreme Court.

The most recent text book published is (2014): Terrorism Law: Materials, Cases, Comments (7th Edition). This book includes an extensive examination of the legal issues contained in court cases associated with terrorism issues and addresses specific concerns to include targeted killing, interrogation, civil liberties and cyber terrorism. The most recent book published is: Radical Islam: Why? (2016).

Studies and Research

The Warrior Defense Project conducts a variety of research in associated areas to include civil liberty concerns, Congressional powers, Executive powers, cooperative law enforcement, military support to law enforcement, Department of Defense responsibilities, various criminal statutes, domestic surveillance, information security, infrastructure assurance, habeas corpus matters, cyber-offenses, investigations of terrorism, public access to government proceedings, etc.

In conjunction with a staff of subject matter experts, the Warrior Defense Project is able to engage in top to bottom research study and analysis to determine the full legal ramifications of assorted issues associated with legal services for service members.

Help to Service Members

The Center for Terrorism Law renders real-time support to individual service members on a case-by-case basis. Assistance ranges from help at court martial proceedings, help at administrative proceedings, help with correcting official military records, and help at non-judicial proceedings. No charge is required for any assistance provided.

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About our Mentor Programs

At the St. Mary’s University School of Law, you are part of a community of like-minded students, professors and alumni who are committed to serving not just the community, but each other. We know the law school transition can be hard. But starting your first year, you can find a mentor who will help you navigate on your journey.

MENTOR CIRCLES
The St. Mary’s 1L Edification Program

Mentor Circles

Mentor Circles allow for networking with members of the bench and bar, as well as fellow law students, further expanding a student’s resources and support. Mentor Circles are now part of our tradition.

-Dean Patricia E. Roberts, J.D.

Small group settings. Real world ethical dilemmas.

As a second- or third-year J.D. student, you have the option of participating in the Mentor Circles Program, where you’ll have opportunities to ask experienced practicing attorneys the questions you’ve always wanted answers to.

The Mentor Circles Program pairs up to eight second- and third-year J.D. students with two or more volunteer lawyers.

Mentor Circles are a unique way for law students to interact with experienced attorneys who are willing to discuss the challenges of practicing law and to offer career advice.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Things I Wish I Had Known Early in My Law Career
  • Practice Areas, Work Cultures, and Career Options
  • An Anything Goes Forum

Alumni who wish to get involved with the Mentor Circles Program may contact Robin Thorner, Assistant Dean for Career Strategy.

I wish this was around when I was in law school, because it definitely would have been something I’d have signed up for. It provides space for a student to talk to their mentors, but also to learn from their peers and get guidance on their law school career and just generally.

-Alicia Grant (J.D. ’16), associate at Norton Rose Fulbright and mentor

The St. Mary’s 1L Edification Program

The St. Mary’s 1L Edification Program (SM1LE) pairs first-year J.D. students with second- and third-year J.D. student mentors who will guide them as they begin their law school careers. SM1LE Mentors are given a weekly topic to discuss with their first-year J.D. students and make themselves available to discuss any questions students may have. Topics include everything from academics to personal wellness.

To learn more about this program, contact  Alan Haynes, Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs.

Law Fellowships

Moody Foundation Veterans Law Fellowships

The Moody Foundation Veterans Law Fellowships provide financial support to students who commit to work on legal matters for veterans. This program is funded by a generous gift from the Moody Foundation.

For Summer 2025 and the 2025-2026 academic year, Moody Foundation Veterans Law Fellowships will be awarded to students who commit to work with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. (TRLA) or the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA) on legal matters for veterans. The program will provide a fellowship of at least $2,500 per semester.

The fellows will be selected based on academic credentials, commitment to public service, and interest in veterans’ issues.

Each fellow is expected to work at least 120 hours per semester. In discussion with the supervising attorneys, the fellow may choose from a number of options regarding the number of weeks and number of hours per week to meet this total hour requirement.

Fellows will work under the supervision of an attorney. Fellows may work on a variety of legal matters for veteran clients, including housing, family law, public benefits, and general litigation matters. The fellows may also work to solve barriers to housing and employability for veterans, through driver’s license restoration or criminal record expunctions.

In the course of their work, fellows will have the opportunity to attend meetings of working groups and coalitions that include St. Mary’s School of Law, TRLA, and SALSA, along with other veteran-serving providers throughout the San Antonio community. These forums will provide the fellows a wider perspective on the many legal and social issues facing veterans, including veterans experiencing homelessness. In addition, fellows from both placement sites will attend a number of pro bono legal advice and counsel clinics for veterans sponsored by SALSA. At these events, the fellows will work alongside practicing attorneys to provide advice to veterans on a variety of legal issues.

Currently, there are fellowship positions available for the Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters. Applications will be considered as received.

MOODY FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION

For additional information, please contact Karen L. Kelley.

Summer Public Service Fellowships

The St. Mary’s Summer Public Service Fellowship provides financial assistance to first- and second-year law students working in unpaid summer positions. Eligible positions comprise a broad range of public sector employers, including nonprofit organizations and government entities, but excluding the judiciary and political campaigns. Students must work a minimum of 240 hours during the summer.

Please note that you must have already accepted a position with a qualifying employer to be eligible for the fellowship.

The application period is announced during the spring semester and funds are awarded at the beginning of the summer semester.

For additional information, please contact Nicole Monsibais, Director of Law Career Strategy.

Moot Court, Mock Trial and Advocacy Programs

The development of practical, real-world litigation skills in a courtroom setting is a crucial element of the St. Mary’s experience. This belief is affirmed every day through the actions and accomplishments of our highly respected advocacy programs. These programs provide an ideal environment for students to develop and polish their trial and appellate courtroom skills, as well as their negotiation, mediation, client counseling and dispute resolution skills that are the hallmark of great attorneys.

The St. Mary’s advocacy programs are consistently recognized for competitive excellence on regional and national levels.

Advocacy at St. Mary’s is comprised of three primary programs that allow students both academic and competitive opportunities to hone their skills prior to graduation. Each of these three programs use the state-of-the-art technology- appointed courtroom:

The St. Mary’s Law National Team
Board of Advocates
Advocacy Curriculum

No. 1 Ranked St. Mary’s Law National Team

 For the first time in St. Mary’s University School of Law history, the Advocacy Program, known as the National Team, has tied for the No. 1 ranking in the nation by the American Bar Association. (See news release for more information.)

The ABA rankings capped a historic year for the Advocacy Program, which brought home a dozen national championships and represented the United States internationally during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The St. Mary’s Law Advocacy Program includes the Board of Advocates, National, International and Organizational Moot Court teams, National Dispute Resolution, Trial Advocacy teams and a robust advocacy curriculum, which prepares students to become practice-ready attorneys through training and regional, national and international competitions against other law schools.   

Board of Advocates

The Board of Advocates (BOA) administers competitions throughout the academic year in order to give students of St. Mary’s University School of Law practical experience in the art of advocacy. The BOA consists of 20 law students who are responsible for the development and organization of all in-house advocacy competitions. Selection into BOA is made at the end of each spring semester.

First-year law students may only compete in First Year Moot Court and Jimi Derrick Moot Court. Second- and third-year law students may compete in all competitions except First Year Moot Court. All law students may volunteer as clients, witnesses, bailiffs and marshals in any competition.

Board of Advocates
St. Mary’s University School of Law
San Antonio, Texas 78228
210-436-3286

The Lone Star Classic®

The Board of Advocates also oversees the Lone Star Classic®, an annual invitational mock trial tournament open to ABA – accredited law schools nationwide held at St. Mary’s.

LONE STAR CLASSIC

The Order of Barristers

The Order of Barristers is a national honorary organization whose purpose is the encouragement of oral advocacy and brief writing skills. The order also provides national recognition for individuals who have excelled in advocacy and service at their respective schools. The application period is now open.

To be considered for selection to the Order of Barristers, please complete this application and attach the required information.

Advocacy Curriculum

The goal of the St. Mary’s advocacy program is to prepare students to be effective advocates in courtroom settings. The curriculum focuses on litigation skills that enable students to speak persuasively and build credibility with the court and jury. When students decide to come to St. Mary’s, they know they will have many opportunities to excel in advocacy.

Trial Advocacy

Trial Advocacy classes are designed to give students an introduction to specific trial advocacy techniques such as voir dire examination of jury panels, opening statements, and direct examination of witnesses.

The techniques are demonstrated by instructors and students are given opportunities to perform, and receive instruction concerning, exercises in many aspects of civil and criminal cases.

The Order of Barristers

The advanced course builds upon Trial Advocacy and introduces students to additional techniques for presenting cases before a court using technology. This course addresses both the details of utilizing technology in the courtroom, as well as strategic and evidentiary concerns surrounding the use of technology. Students are given extensive exposure to the latest advances in St. Mary’s high-tech courtroom.

FALL COMPETITIONS

Larry G. Hyden Mock Trial Competition

Held each September, the Larry G. Hyden Competition provides students with an opportunity to participate in mock trial proceedings and gain advocacy experience.

Larry G. Hyden graduated from the St. Mary’s School of Law in 1974 and was a member of the St. Mary’s Law Journal. Hyden served as a trial lawyer in Corpus Christi for 28 years before entering public service as an Assistant District Attorney in Cuero, Texas. The firm of Jordan, Hyden, Womble, Culbreth & Holzer, P.C., sponsors the competition in Hyden’s honor.

View video of the 2017 Hyden Competition.

Lone Star Classic®

Each October, BOA is proud to support the Lone Star Classic mock trial competition where St. Mary’s University School of Law invites 16 ABA-accredited schools from around the country to compete on a nationwide stage.

Wayne and Maxine Scott Negotiations Competition

Held in November, the Wayne and Maxine Scott Negotiations Competition provides students with experience in negotiations. Professor L. Wayne Scott played a critical role in directing the alternate dispute resolution program at St. Mary’s University. Allen Craddock, Ph.D., Adjunct Negotiations Professor, established this endowed competition to honor the Scotts for their tireless support of the school’s advocacy program.

View video of the 2018 Wayne and Maxine Scott Negotiations Competition.

SPRING COMPETITIONS

Federal Bar Association Spring Moot Court Competition

In order to promote high-quality education and experience for legal students, the San Antonio Chapter of the Federal Bar Association sponsors this BOA appellate-style competition early each spring.

View video of the 2017 Federal Bar Association Spring Moot Court Competition.

Renna and Jeff Embry Mock Trial Competition

The Renna and Jeff Embry Mock Trial Competition provides students with another opportunity to participate in mock trial during the spring semester. Renna and Jeff are honors graduates and both served as associate editors on the St. Mary’s Law Journal; Jeff was an active participant in mock trial and moot court competitions and was awarded the Patricia Scott Outstanding Advocate Award recognizing him as the outstanding trial advocate in the law school.

View video of the 2017 Renna and Jeff Embry Mock Trial Competition.

Linda and Dave Schlueter First-Year Moot Court Competition

All students at St. Mary’s are required to participate in a moot court competition in their first spring semester. This competition is the culmination of a brief-writing process and is a part of the legal writing classes. This early exposure allows students an advocacy-oriented perspective that enhances the traditional first-year coursework.

Professor Dave Schlueter is the Hardy Professor of Law and former long-time Director of the Advocacy Programs at St. Mary’s Law. Mrs. Schlueter is the President of Trinity Legal Center, a nonprofit legal foundation, which focuses on representing post-abortive women. Both of them have published nationally recognized treaties and both have been cited by the Supreme Court of the United States and numerous courts and legal commentators.

View video of the 2019 Linda and Dave Schlueter First Year Moot Court Competition, whose final round was held before the justices of the Fourth Court of Appeals.

Jimi Derrick Moot Court Competition

This fast-paced, single-day competition is held each April in loving memory of one of St. Mary’s favorite sons.

View video of the 2019 Jimi Derrick Moot Court Competition.

Judicial Internships

Following completion of the first year of studies, law students at St. Mary’s University may participate in a wide range of pre-graduation judicial internships.

JUDICIAL INTERNSHIP BROCHURE (PDF)

Benefits of an Internship

During a judicial internship, a law student works a certain minimum number of hours for the court over a semester. The intern is supervised by a judge, a law clerk or briefing attorney to a judge, or a staff attorney for the court. The nature of the work varies according to the needs of the court, but normally includes one or more legal research and writing projects.

Internships provide students with:

  • an excellent opportunity to enhance their understanding of the court system
  • the ability to make valuable contributions to the administration of justice
  • a good professional credential that adds depth to one’s resume
  • a more sophisticated understanding of how cases are decided.

St. Mary’s University School of Law operates judicial internship programs in conjunction with the following courts:

  • The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • The United States Magistrate Court for the Western District of Texas
  • The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas
  • The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals – Chief Staff Attorney’s Office
  • The Texas Court of Appeals for the Fourth Judicial District

All of the above internships are located in San Antonio.

Types of Judicial Internships

Appellate Court Interns

Interns for appellate courts often spend the majority of their time researching, writing, and editing drafts of opinions or orders that will be used to decide cases or motions pending before the court. In contrast, interns for trial courts may spend less time drafting dispositive court documents, and more time assisting the incidental tasks that accompany the trial process, such as composing jury instructions, researching evidentiary questions, or attending settlement conferences.

Appellate court interns are more likely to participate in the writing of opinions that may be published and become part of the body of legal precedent.

Trial Court Interns

Trial court interns often have a greater opportunity than appellate court interns to observe courtroom proceedings.

Federal Court Internships

Other Courts

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