NATIONAL MOOT COURT TEAM TRYOUTS
SECOND AND THIRD YEAR STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO
TO TRY OUT FOR THE 2015-16 NATIONAL MOOT COURT TEAM
THE NATIONAL MOOT COURT TEAM IS A TWO OR THREE-PERSON TEAM THAT COMPETES IN ONE OF THE LARGEST APPELLATE ADVOCACY COMPETITIONS IN THE NATION. THE PROBLEM WILL ARRIVE IN MID-SEPTEMBER. STUDENTS ON THE TEAM MUST WRITE THE BRIEF, WHICH IS DUE IN MID-OCTOBER, WITHOUT OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE TEAM WILL THEN PRACTICE INTENSIVELY IN PREPARATION FOR THE REGIONAL COMPETITION IN MID-NOVEMBER. THE TOP TWO TEAMS IN THE REGION ADVANCE TO THE NATIONAL FINALS, WHICH WILL BE HELD IN NEW YORK CITY IN EARLY FEBRUARY.
TEAM MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE TWO HOURS OF COURSE CREDIT.
Students interested in trying out for the team must submit the following to Professor Kritchevsky by 4:00 pm on Tuesday September 1: 1) a writing sample (preferably persuasive writing), 2) a one or two page statement explaining your qualifications and reasons for wishing to be a member of a team, and 3) a resume.
TRY-OUTS WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2-3.
TRY-OUTS: The try-outs consist of an argument and an interview. Applicants may argue any issue they wish (most give the argument they gave in the last in-school competition). Applicants should be prepared for questions; the judging panel will stop the argument after approximately ten minutes. The interview will follow the argument.
Numerous factors go into selecting a team. The writing sample is very important because the brief is a crucial part of the competition. The interview, argument, and statement of interest are also important. Other relevant factors include prior work and writing experience, experience as a member of a team, and success in law school and previous competitions. We are seeking a well-balanced team and are likely to select individuals with different strengths and backgrounds.
Membership on the team is a substantial time commitment, but many people have successfully competed on national teams and been members of law review and the moot court board.
