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Gina Campanelli ’24 and Ken Kashihara Hong ’24 emerged as national champions on Friday, besting nine other teams in the final rounds of the 2024 Giles S. Rich Memorial Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. — and more than 60 teams total who entered.

It’s the first time a Duke Law team has won the prestigious appellate advocacy moot, which the American Intellectual Property Law Association has sponsored for more than 50 years.

“It was amazing. I was in absolute shock when they said our names, but it was the most incredible feeling ever,” Campanelli said.

“We had to jump back on a plane and start studying for finals, so there wasn't a ton of time to celebrate. But it was such a cool opportunity to get to do it with Ken, and we’re really happy to bring the win to Duke. It’s our Cinderella comeback story.”

Last year, the duo placed second in the regional rounds of the same moot but was knocked out in the preliminaries of the national rounds, she explained. This year, they won the southeastern regional to advance to the national round and capture the title, arguing for the appellant in a copyright and patent infringement case involving an AI model trained to write scripts by digesting copyright-protected books and screenplays.

“Gina and Ken have shown incredible initiative, talent, and diligence throughout the two years of their moot court participation,” said Elvin R. Latty Distinguished Professor of Law Arti K. Rai, who served as advisor to the team.

"Their national victory is extremely well-deserved, and I hope they serve as an inspiration for future Duke Law students.”

The victory caps off a friendship that began in their 1L year at Duke Law and is rooted in shared interests in science, intellectual property law, and oral advocacy. Campanelli and Hong were assigned to the same 1L small section and have both been members of Moot Court Board since competing in the Hardt Cup. Knowing Campanelli shares a strong interest in patent litigation, Hong suggested last year that they partner up in the AIPLA competition.

“Gina and I, we don’t just love moot court. We also love IP,” Hong said. “I think our background and our passion for IP was really obvious to the judges. We weren’t there to get a prize, or because we were required to. We were there because we were really interested in doing this outside of law school too. And that not only made it so much more fun, but it also helped us in the competition itself.”

Neither received class credit for participating, he added.

Campanelli and Hong bring complementary skills and styles to the courtroom. Campanelli praises Hong’s poise and composure before a hot bench; Hong credits his teammate’s command of the material and strategic thinking. They share a similar approach to preparation — “We both like to roll up our sleeves and get the work done” — that translates into a harmonious relationship as co-counsel. Judges took note.

“Gina and I have a good rapport, and I also feel like our work ethics really are compatible,” Hong said. “I didn’t think our camaraderie was visible, because I felt very much in the zone acting professionally. But I guess it was more visible than I thought as we passed little sticky notes and talked about ideas during the competition.”

“We got feedback from the judges that they thought we made a really good team and complemented each other well,” Campanelli said. “They could tell we’re friends and enjoy working together.”

A winning duo backed by an expert team

This year more than 60 teams from around the country entered the annual moot’s five regional competitions. Ten teams advanced to the national finals, held at the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and presided over by Federal Circuit Judges Kara F. Stoll and Tiffany P. Cunningham and Judge Molly R. Silfen of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Campanelli and Hong say their fall Appellate Practice class, taught by high-level practitioners, helped them build skills and confidence that made them more relaxed and conservational before the judges this year. Jim Saranteas, a veteran litigator who volunteers as appellate advocacy coach for the Moot Court Board, provided invaluable advice, encouragement, and practice. And IP faculty members James Boyle, Christopher Buccafusco, Jennifer Jenkins, and coach Arti Rai were generous with their insights on the material.

“Even if they weren't with us in person, we really did feel supported by a lot of the Duke Law community in terms of how we prepared,” Hong said. “It wasn't just the two of us, by any means.”

Campanelli, from San Francisco, graduated from Dartmouth College. Before law school she worked in healthcare consulting and received a master’s degree in biology from Harvard’s Extension School. She is editor-in-chief of the Duke Law Technology Review and an online editor for Duke Law Journal. In addition to Moot Court Board, she also served as president of the North Carolina Club and vice president of the Intellectual Property Law Society. After graduation she will clerk for Judge Todd M. Hughes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Hong, who is from New Jersey, graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. Prior to law school he worked as a research and development chemist. Along with being active on the Moot Court Board, he has served as co-president of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. He will join Gibson Dunn in New York following graduation and plans to pursue his interest in intellectual property.

Competing in the finals on Friday caused Campanelli and Hong to miss their last day of class at Duke Law School. But winning a prestigious national moot was worth it.

“After last year we had a lot more motivation and we just really wanted to end our law school careers strong,” Hong said.

“Against that backdrop, this year was special to us because we had another chance.”