Moot Court and Lawyering Skills Program

At Moritz, we believe in kindling the flame of potential from the outset. Embarking on this journey, our Moot Court and Lawyering Skills Program covers the vast expanse of trial advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, and appellate argumentation, offering a spectrum opportunities to develop key lawyering skills.

Pursue your passion with the thrill of intellectual competition.  

Our intramural competitions include:  

• James K.L. Lawrence Negotiations Competition 
• Appellate Advocacy Performance Arguments/Herman Moot Court Competition 
• Moritz Representation in Mediation Competition 
• Moritz 1L Moot Court Competition  
• Michael F. Colley Trial Competition 

In the Travel Team Program, second-and third-year law students represent Moritz at moot court and lawyering skills competitions across the country. Recent travel team program successes include: 

• Regional Champion, Region 6, NYC Bar National Moot Court Competition (2023)
• Best Oralist, Region 6, NYC Bar National Moot Court Competition (2023)
• Best Oralist, Civil Rights and Liberties Competition (2023)
• Semi-finalist, Gold Cup Mock Trial Competition (2023)
• Best Direct Examination, Gold Cup Mock Trial Competition (2023)
• State Champion, Ohio Attorney General Mock Trial Competition (2023)
• Best Attorneys, Ohio Attorney General Mock Trial Competition (2023)
• Best Witnesses, Ohio Attorney General Mock Trial Competition (2023)
• Regional Champion, ABA Representation in Mediation (2024)
• National Semi-finalist, ABA Representation in Mediation (2024)
• Best Advocate, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition (2024)
• Regional Semi-finalist, Texas Young Lawyers Association (2024)
• Lawrence Negotiations Competition – Winners: Alex Samons & Kaylin Shackelford
• Herman Moot Court Competition – Best Overall, Olivia Hiltbrand; Best Oralist, Colin Adler; Best Brief, Olivia Hiltbrand
• Colley Mock Trial Competition – Winner Sarah Paul & Jamie Salazar
• 1L Competition – Best Overall, Anna Mester & Amanda Reale; Best Oralists, George Sdregas & Andrew Gilmore; Best Brief, Amanda Reale & Anna Mester

Topper Eagle Award for Outstanding Student Administrator in the Moot Court Program

Established by Ida Topper in memory of her husband, Isadore Topper ’27, and awarded to students who have made a significant contribution to the administration of the Moot Court Program.

• The recipient for the 2023-2024 term was Nathan Dahlstrom, Chief Justice.

George R. Beneman Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance in the Moot Court Program 

Established June 5, 1964, by Isadore and Ida Topper in memory of their friend George R. Beneman, a Washington, D.C. attorney. The Beneman Award recognizes outstanding performance in the Moot Court Program

• The recipients for the 2023-2024 term were Jordan Griffith, Katie Bauman, and Lydia Kotowski.

 Order of the Barristers’ Moritz Chapter

The Order of Barristers is a national honorary organization established in 1965, originating from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Its mission is to promote excellence in oral advocacy and brief writing through law school programs, facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources among schools. Initially a local society, it expanded nationally, with over 100 law school chapters recognized for their moot court and mock trial programs. The Order honors individuals excelling in advocacy and service at their respective school.

Chief Justice: Sarah Paul

Executive Justice of Travel Teams:  Olivia Hiltbrand

Executive Justice of Competitions: John Banks

Executive Justices of Judge Recruitment: Morgan Kukovec, Thurston Burt

Executive Justices of Lawyering Skills: Jane Sensibaugh, Kayla Vonder Embse

Justices of Advocacy Skills: Natalie Haddad, Lara do Valle Pereira Esteves, Ian Pitt

Justices of the 1L Competition: Jenna Culman, Jess Frank, Elizabeth Agranovsky

Justice of Marketing: Jon Lee

Justices of Mock Trial: Noah Thompson, Harry Penate, David Blasky