UTA Moot Court Claims No. 1 Speaker at AMCA

Wednesday, Mar 04, 2026 • Jayce K. Smith : Contact

Jose Sparling and Timothy Flach smiling and holding up gavels.

UTA’s Moot Court team delivered a historic performance at the American Moot Court Association (AMCA) National Tournament in Lexington, Kentucky, producing the No. 1 ranked speaker in the nation and placing another competitor in the national top 10.

Jose Sparling was named the No. 1 Speaker in the country, while Timothy Flach finished as the No. 8 Speaker nationally—a rare accomplishment at this level of competition. Competing in a field that began with 512 teams nationwide, UTA also finished ranked 23rd overall, narrowly missing advancement to the second day of competition (top 16).

For a program competing at Nationals for the first time since its recent resurgence, the showing marked more than a milestone—it signaled a new era of excellence.

Jose Sparling posing with a gavel.Timothy Flach posing with a gavel.

Even more striking was the individual recognition earned in Lexington:

  • Jose Sparling – Ranked #1 Speaker in the Nation
  • Timothy Flach – Ranked #8 Speaker in the Nation

Having two competitors finish in the national top 10 is rare at this level of competition—particularly for a program competing in the current, highly competitive format. Their recognition reflects the strength of preparation and advocacy cultivated throughout the season.


Leadership Behind the Revival

Headhshot of Judge Christopher TaylorThe team is coached by Judge Christopher Taylor, a full-time Tarrant County judge and adjunct instructor who volunteers his time to mentor UTA students for intercollegiate competition. His leadership has helped guide the program’s revival and establish a renewed culture of excellence.

Under his mentorship, students refine appellate advocacy skills, legal reasoning, and professional presentation—experiences that extend well beyond tournament rounds.

The team’s showing at Nationals marks a significant milestone for Moot Court within Liberal Arts Applied Programs. From resurgence to national recognition, the trajectory reflects both student dedication and the strength of experiential learning opportunities across the College of Liberal Arts.

As UTA continues to invest in hands-on academic experiences, achievements like these demonstrate what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity.

For the students and their coach, Lexington was not just a destination—it was a turning point.

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