Information for Prospective Students

What is Moot Court, otherwise known as Appellate Advocacy?

• Moot Court is a year-long program open to all 2Ls and 3Ls. The Spring semester course is optional.
• In Moot Court, students learn how to present arguments on appeal. In contrast, a trial practice course teaches students how argue at the trial court level. Each course develops a different set of skills.

What happens in the Fall Semester?

• Students enroll in Appellate Advocacy (410A) with Professor Schooley.
• The Moot Court Board coaches students over the course of six weeks to help students improve oral advocacy skills.
• Student advocates present four competition-round arguments before panels of judges.

What happens in the Spring Semester?

• Students enroll in Appellate Advocacy (410B) with Professor Schooley.
• Students write two appellate briefs.
• Teams of two advocates write the first brief together and participate in two competition-round arguments.
• Students write the second brief individually, edited under the supervision of Professor Schooley. This brief may satisfy the writing requirement.

What is Neumiller?

• On Picnic Day, the top two teams from the competition face off against each other in the Moot Courtroom before a panel of distinguished judges.
• The argument is open to the public as the Law School’s official Picnic Day Event.

Why should I participate in Moot Court?

• Have fun while developing appellate advocacy skills.
• Represent King Hall at outside competitions.
• Leverage an opportunity to win awards and boost your résumé.
• Satisfy the writing requirement.
• Gain eligibility to serve on the Moot Court Board.
• Gain eligibility for the Order of Barristers.

Fall Resources

Syllabus
Rules of Court
Oral Advocacy Scoring
Written Arg. Scoring
Written Arg Checklist

Spring Resources

Syllabus
Appellate Brief Scoring
Sample Brief