About Us - Sopinka Cup

The Sopinka Cup is awarded annually at the National Trial Advocacy Competition to participating teams from Canadian law schools.  After Regional elimination, eight law schools representing the various geographical areas of the country compete in Ottawa in the National Finals for the Sopinka Cup.  This competition, which is completely bilingual, was established to honor the memory of the late Mr. Justice John Sopinka, Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, who was a long-standing and devoted Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

The American College of Trial Lawyers sponsors the competition and makes a substantial contribution to its funding.  The purpose of the competition is to encourage law schools to train students in the art of oral advocacy.  In the short time since its establishment, the Sopinka Cup competition has fostered a competitive spirit and social mingling between the Bench, Bar, and Students producing an event enjoyed by all.  Judge Sopinka would be extremely pleased to have his name connected to a competition that has established a wonderful and lasting tribute to this gifted advocate and justice.

Sopinka Cup Winners