LAW973

UC Law SF has one of the most successful Moot Court Competition programs in the United States. Hastings students win National Championship awards, Best Brief awards, Best Oral Advocate awards, and many other honors each year in competitions held throughout the nation in a variety of topics.

Competition students usually participate as a three-member team with two oral advocates and a brief editor. The students write an appellate brief and prepare to argue both sides of the case for the oral arguments. They participate in 12-15 formal oral argument practices that are judged by students, faculty and practitioner panels. Competitors are well-prepared for the tournaments which are sponsored by schools, bar associations, courts and institutes.

UC Law SF pays for the travel costs (including meals and lodging) to the tournaments when students are competing. Students who win regional events also compete at national final rounds.

Tryouts for the competition teams are held in April and are open to all UC Law SF students. Each applicant prepares a 5-10 minute oral argument from a brief utilized in a competition that year, submits a resume and writing sample, and participates in an informational interview with the competition selection committee. The teams for the upcoming year are announced at the Moot Court Awards Ceremony held at the end of April each year.

Competition students receive two units of academic credit for each competition as well as personalized, individual support and guidance to maximize their learning and performance in the competition subject area and in appellate written oral argument.

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 required for enrollment.