Applications are now being accepted for the Federal Bar Association’s 2021 Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition!
The Younger Lawyers Division of the Federal Bar Association has announced it will hold the Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition in March 2021 via an online platform. The new virtual format is consistent with the learning plans of many law schools across the country and, although the competition may look different this year, the competition’s key aspects will remain intact and continue to be one of the premier moot court competitions in the country.
Each year, the FBA distributes case materials to the teams based on a current and developing federal issue. The materials include a mock district court order and circuit court opinion. The teams then use those materials to prepare and submit written appellate briefs and argue against other teams from around the nation. Each team member argues and fields questions from a panel of judges for 10-15 minutes. The panel of judges often include state or federal judges, practitioners, or scholars—many of whom have also had to pivot to virtual hearings and conferences in their careers. This novel remote format will provide competitors with a “real world” experience of federal appellate advocacy. As is tradition, the competition will conclude with an awards presentation, held virtually, where family, FBA members, and leaders are invited to attend.
Last year, the Mitchell Hamline team placed FIRST in the competition.
Mitchell Hamline will have one two-person team competing this year. The deadline for submitting applications for one of the two positions is 5:00 P.M. Friday, November 20, 2020.
Interested applicants should submit a writing sample (preferably an appellate writing sample) to Andrew Wilson (awilson@wilsoncd.com) and Rob Yount (Robert.Yount@co.anoka.mn.us). Cover letter or letter of interest optional. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to either Andrew or Rob with any additional questions or concerns.
Students receive 2 academic credits for participation in the competition. Generally, a student can register for one credit in any semester in which they anticipate they will do at least 45 hours of competition-related work. Some students split the credits, while others register for both credits in the semester in which the student does the bulk of the work. Students with questions or in need of assistance with registration-related issues should reach out to Debbie Nelson, (debra.Nelson@mitchellhamline.edu) or Morgan Holcomb, (morgan.holcomb@mitchellhamline.edu).