Gift from Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC Supports Akron Law Advocacy Teams

The Akron-based law firm Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC (KNR) has made a $10,000 gift to support The University of Akron School of Law’s Trial and Moot Court teams for the spring 2026 competition season. Akron Law’s advocacy teams participate in regional and national competitions, where students refine their advocacy skills by presenting simulated cases in courtroom settings. Trial team teaches students skills in preparing and delivering opening statements, examining and cross-examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and presenting closing arguments. Moot court competitors draft appellate briefs and present oral arguments to panels of judges. Akron Law’s advocacy teams are consistently among the best in the country, with recent championships in the National Civil Trial Competition, Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition, and Ohio Attorney General’s Trial Competition.

Emily Janoski Haehlen, Dean of the School of Law, expressed her thanks for KNR’s gift, saying, “This gift makes a real difference for our advocacy teams and the students who commit countless hours to honing their advocacy skills. We are sincerely thankful to KNR for their support and belief in our students and in the power of hands-on legal education.”

Charles Oldfield, Associate Professor of Law and faculty advisor for the moot court and trial team programs, said, “KNR’s support of our advocacy teams helps ensure that we can continue to provide our students with unique learning opportunities that also enhance the reputation of the law school across the country.”

In making the gift, KNR founding partner Robert Nestico noted, “Advocacy is at the heart of everything we do at KNR. We deeply value young lawyers and believe in investing early in their development, not just as skilled advocates, but as ethical, prepared trial lawyers. Supporting the University of Akron’s Trial and Moot Court teams allows us to help inspire the next generation to uphold the highest standards of integrity in the courtroom, and we hope many of these talented students will one day see KNR and our team of 40 attorneys as a place to build their careers.”