UPDATE: New Information Available for Annual Advocacy Competitions
Dear NBLSA Family,
We are writing with updates to our previous advocacy competitions announcement. Information on how to access the TWEN page for each competition is available below. The competition problems, frequently asked questions, and official rules are available on the TWEN homepages. Please also be advised that registration for the 12th Annual Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition will open on October 16, 2017. An email with more information regarding the Negotiations competition will be sent closer to that date.
Moot Court The Regional competitions consist of a maximum of 18 teams made up of two advocates per team. Teams will write briefs arguing on behalf of petitioner and respondent. Regional competitions will simulate an appellate oral argument proceeding. The National competition consists of 18 teams, the top three placing teams from each of our six regional conventions, and is designed to simulate an appellate proceeding. For each round, oral arguments are evaluated on the competitor's overall ability as an appellate advocate. Each team consists of the two advocates per side speaking for an allotted time of no more than 40 minutes, including rebuttal. After each side articulates their argument, the judges score each competitor using the official FDMCC rubric. Overall, each round lasts no more than two hours from start, to finish. The top three placing teams from each of the six regional conventions will be invited to compete at the National Convention.
You can register for the Moot Court Competition by clicking here. Access the TWEN homepage by searching "NBLSA Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition 2018" once signing in at https://lawschool.westlaw.com/twen/.
Mock Trial Regional competitions consist of a maximum of 18 teams. Rounds simulate a criminal trial proceeding where each team, consisting of four members each, offers opening statements, direct and cross examination of witnesses, and closing arguments. Witnesses are not scored in this competition. 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. The National competition is likewise compromised of the top three placing teams from each of NBLSA's six regional competitions. Each trial lasts approximately two and one-half hours.
You can register for the Mock Trial Competition by clicking here. Access the TWEN homepage by searching "Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition" once signing in at https://lawschool.westlaw.com/twen/.
International Negotiations The NMINC is the only competition exclusively national in nature. Teams consist of two students who work together to negotiate an international issue. The competition consists of five total rounds that are approximately one hour and thirty minutes each. Advocates will be evaluated on their negotiation skills, and command of the problem's subject matter.
Registration for the International Negotiations Competition will open on October 16, 2017. Access the TWEN homepage by searching "NBLSA Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competitions" once signing in at https://lawschool.westlaw.com/twen/.
We look forward to your participation!
In NBLSA Service,
Ashley R. Rose National Director, Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition Thurgood Marshall School of Law mootcourt@nblsa.org
Brian Gordon National Director, Justice Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition University of Maryland School of Law mocktrial@nblsa.org
Alexis Agredo National Co-Director of Programming Vermont Law School programming@nblsa.org
