Mitchell Hamline School of Law hosted the 41st annual William E. McGee National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition this spring, welcoming 16 teams from law schools across the country and more than 80 volunteer judges and student bailiffs in this five-round, four-day virtual competition. Notably, this year’s second-place finalists were a Mitchell Hamline team, consisting of students Kelly Griffin and Patience Silas and coached by Professor Vonda Brown.
Kelly Griffin
“Their success was a major highlight of this year’s competition,” said Director of Competitions and Externships Erica Strohl.
The competition was equally impactful for Griffin and Silas in their law school career.
“Participating in the 41st Annual William E. McGee National Civil Rights competition was one of the most formative experiences of my legal education,” said Griffin, who will graduate from Mitchell Hamline this year.
“As a first-generation law student engaging in moot court for the first time, the experience pushed me to develop confidence in an unfamiliar space while sharpening my ability to think critically under pressure,” she continued. “It deepened my understanding of persuasive legal writing, particularly the skill required to humanize a client and craft a compelling narrative that resonates with judges while remaining grounded in the law. Beyond strengthening my oral advocacy, it opened my eyes to the realities of litigation and the kind of advocate I aspire to become.”
Patience Silas
For Silas, participating in the competition was especially meaningful in developing skills as she enters her third year in the blended-learning program next fall.
“This experience reminded me that advocacy is both an art and a skill,” she said. “The competition gave me greater confidence in my ability to present arguments, respond to tough questions, and adapt in real time. More than anything, this competition taught me resilience. It was a rewarding opportunity to develop skills that will serve me throughout my legal career.”
The William E. McGee National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition seeks to promote interest in all areas of civil rights law and help interested students develop the oral advocacy and writing skills essential to be successful appellate practitioners.