2/15/2024

Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III

Delaware Law recently hosted oral arguments before the Delaware Court of Chancery in the Ruby R. Vale Moot Courtroom. The hearing presided over by Vice Chancellor Sam Glasscock III gave students insight into the court’s expertise in resolving corporate cases. As many organizations and Fortune 500 companies operate under Delaware law, the Court of Chancery plays a pivotal role in addressing internal disputes among investors, boards of directors and managers.

The case heard at Delaware Law, Harper v. Sievert, was brought by Jenna Harper, a stockholder of T-Mobile US, Inc., who filed a shareholder action against former and current directors of T-Mobile, including G. Michael Sievert. Harper claims a plan by T-Mobile’s parent company to speed up artificial intelligence and machine learning segments has led to costly cyberattacks against T-Mobile.

The Court of Chancery consists of one chancellor, six vice chancellors, and three magistrates. The absence of a jury makes proceedings in the Court of Chancery unique from those of a typical trial court. Judges have a deep understanding of corporate law and use this knowledge to understand, question, and weigh the oral arguments.

Alyssa Atkisson McKeever, a third-year law student, was excited to witness the renowned court in action.

“As an aspiring Court of Chancery litigator, it was a privilege to watch skilled practitioners advocate for their clients. The oral argument highlighted the invaluable role Delaware corporate law and the Court of Chancery serve in corporate matters. I am grateful for the Court of Chancery, especially Vice Chancellor Glasscock, and Delaware Law School for promoting impactful learning experiences for Delaware Law students,” McKeever said.

Through this case, students gained a better understanding of contract and corporate laws pertinent to corporations and LLCs. Firsthand exposure to how the Court of Chancery navigates legal issues reinforced an understanding of Delaware's status as a premier corporate forum.

Nkemakunam Obata, a third-year law student and the president of the Student Bar Association, highlighted the professional atmosphere during the arguments.

“It was insightful to hear both sides and how cordial they were to each other,” she said.

Similarly, Laura Giardina, a second-year student and essay editor for the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law, underscored the value of the hearing.

“Witnessing oral arguments delivered by expert legal counsel did not disappoint. The Vale Courtroom was packed with students riveted by the hearing. I learned so much from the experience, not just about the complex rules of law at issue, but about the workings of the court, how the litigators conduct themselves and deliver their arguments, and how the vice chancellor and litigators interact with each other,” Giardina said.