Advocacy Competitions
Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition Overview
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Each team will consist of two advocates per team. Teams will write briefs arguing on behalf of the petitioner and respondent. Regional and national competitions will simulate an appellate oral argument proceeding.
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For each round, oral arguments for each side will consist of no more than 30 minutes, including rebuttal. Competitors are evaluated on their overall ability as an appellate advocate. After each side articulates their argument, and the judges score each competitor using the official TMMCC rubric. Overall, each round lasts no more than 1.5 hours.
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The top three placing teams from each of the six regional conventions will be invited to compete at the National Convention.
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Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competitor Documents
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Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition Overview
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Each team will consist of four advocates per team. Teams will offer opening statements, direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and closing arguments. Witnesses are not scored in this competition. Regional and national competitions will simulate a civil trial proceeding.
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Advocates are evaluated on their overall courtroom presence, command of the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, teamwork, and timeliness and accuracy of objections. All scoring will be calculated in accordance with the official CBMMTC rubric. Each trial lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
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The top three placing teams from each of the six regional conventions will be invited to compete at the National Convention.
Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial
Competitor Documents
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Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition Overview
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The purpose of the annual NBLSA Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition is to hone vital negotiation skills. Competition problems are selected in an effort to illuminate issues affecting the globe. Negotiating these cross-border transactions and disputes helps prepare students for negotiation in their future careers.
Students will have the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from legal practitioners while interacting with other students that may have a different negotiating style. This competition helps law students become aware of and experience the unique aspects of international legal negotiations including various ethical and social norms, a broad spectrum of business practices, and the difficulty of cross-cultural communication.
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Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition Documents
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