The University of Richmond School of Law transformed into the hallowed halls of justice when a special session of the Court of Appeals of Virginia was held in the law school’s moot courtroom on Sept. 11. Judges Randolph Beales, Robert Humphreys, and Lisa Lorish heard oral arguments in four cases including those by Richmond Law alumni John Working and Ryan Murphy, from the Class of 2014. The judges will issue written opinions later.

“Students were excited about this opportunity, which allowed them to observe our appellate justice system in action and listen to skilled attorneys making their arguments,” said Caitlin Bradley, director of career development for public sector careers for Richmond Law. “The three judges graciously allowed students to ask questions after the session, which provided them the rare opportunity to hear their insights.” 

Among the students was Alyssa Harrison from the Richmond Law Class of 2025, who spent part of last summer interning with another Court of Appeals of Virginia judge, Stuart Raphael. Two Richmond alums from the Class of 1993, Mary Malveaux and Marla Decker, also serve as judges on the court, with Decker the chief judge.

“I’ve only seen appellate arguments a couple of times, so it was nice to see different perspectives and techniques,” Harrison said. “I also enjoyed seeing the balance and rapport between the three judges. With Judge Lorish being newer to the bench, I really liked seeing her perspective. And then you had Judge Beales and Judge Humphreys, who have been on the court for a long time but weren’t trying to dominate the conversation.”

The half-day session also helped Harrison consider where she might like to clerk in the future, and how she might use her third-year practice certificate in a trial-based setting. Virginia is among the states where law school students in their third year can obtain a special certificate that allows them to appear before local courts and administrative agencies, with judicial and client approval.

“Just being able to be in that room and soak it all up like a sponge was a very valuable experience,” she said.