Competing: To compete in any of the on-campus competitions, the first step is to read the Competition Summaries below to make sure that you are (1) available on the competition date(s), (2) eligible to compete, and (3) you find a partner, if required. Once you have determined your availability and eligibility, go to TWEN and add the course entitled "Board of Advocates Intrascholastic Competitions". This TWEN page will have the most detailed and up to date competition information.

Assisting:  Competitions cannot be run without many student volunteers rewarded with both the opportunity to observe the competitions close up and the opportunity to earn BOA points by helping out.  These opportunities are open to all students and vary by competition—we need bailiffs and practice witnesses.  Please see the competition calendar below for information on what to do if you’d like to help out.

Observing:  The Advocacy Education Series (AES) hosts a seminar before each on-campus competition that provides an attorney lesson and student demonstration of the relevant area of advocacy.  This program is open to anyone interested in learning, even if you do not plan on competing.  Please see the AES page for additional information.

Judging: From time to time, the BOA will ask students to volunteer as judges for our on-campus events.  Often, these student judges will be paired with attorneys who have experience in judging our competitions.  Sometimes, however, the students will act alone as judges.  The BOA generally requires that a student judge have a great deal of experience in the type of competition he or she is judging.

Below are the most pertinent details for each on-campus competition, all sign-up sheets and relevant details will be posted on this website before each competition.

Fall

Negotiations Competition

The Negotiations Competition is the first competition of the school year and is open to 1Ls to compete. This competition serves the dual purpose of a try-out, for all but the 1Ls, and a competition. Though success in this one-day partner competition does not guarantee a spot on the team, the experience of advocating through negotiations is priceless. Team strategy and awareness of client needs are the keys to success in this competition.

Fall Mock Trial Mock Trial Competition

Competitors are in teams of four and receive a packet with the case summary, depositions, and other exhibits. Preparation for this two-day competition is extensive and requires a complete team effort, but is worth it. The ability to deliver opening and closing arguments, not to mention to cross-examine are just a few perks of the competition. Advocacy skills are fostered and utilized to the fullest extent in this intense competition. 1Ls are needed as bailiffs (timekeepers).

2L Moot Court (Jackson Walker Competition)

This Moot Court Competition is open to those who completed the open brief in the Spring Semester of the previous year (Legal Writing & Research brief + Jackson Walker Competition). The benefit of this partner competition is that there is no need to research. Sample briefs will be distributed to all competitors so that regardless of the side the competitor wrote their brief for, they have the other sides cases and will be able to argue that as well. The focus is on knowing the cases within the brief and zealously advocating for the client. The two teams with the highest score at the end of the Saturday competition will meet during lunch the following week to argue before fellow law students and prestigious judges. 1Ls and 3Ls are needed to bailiff, which assists in getting experience and BOA points.

Spring

1L Closing Argument Competition

This 1L competition is based on the facts used in Open Memo during the fall. Competitors have free reign to choose which side to advocate for and what issue to discuss. Competitors can create visual aids and use the knowledge they have gained after their first semester to zealously advocate why their position is the one that accords with the law. This is an individual competition that requires preparation through developing closing and delivering it within the allotted time. The top four finalists will compete one evening during the following week in front of prestigious panel to decide the winner. Bailiffs are needed for this competition.

Spring Mock Trial Competition

This competition is identical to the Fall Mock Trial Competition described above.

Voir Dire Competition

This competition focuses on jury communication, with particular attention given to jury selection and techniques for conducting an effective voir dire.  The competion is open to all, but 1Ls.  1Ls, however, are welcome to participate as bailiffs or jurors.

Howie & Sweeney Moot Court Competition

This is the most prestigious competitions held by the BOA and it is the last competition of the year. Competitors are required to write an open brief, which is judged by distinguished legal professionals. The competitors will have to argue both sides of the brief during the competition and be prepared to answer questions from some of the brightest legal minds of the state. The top two teams from the Saturday competition will compete over a lunch hour in front of elite judges to determine the winner. The winner of this competition is awarded a cash prize. Since all but 1Ls can compete, this presents a wonderful opportunity to bailiff and gain experience for future competitions.