Academic Competitions

Moot Court, Mock Trial and Negotiation

Students at the UNM School of Law have many opportunities to stretch themselves outside of the classroom in a variety of academic competitions that allow them to put into practice their budding legal skills.

Moot Court
Moot court competitions expose participants to the appeals process. Students are presented with a legal problem and a set of facts. Paired participants write a brief in support of one side or the other and then argue the case before a panel consisting of judges, attorneys and law professors. The many benefits that come from participating in a moot court competition include:
 
• Development of appellate advocacy and litigation skills;
• Conduct in-depth research and preparation of arguments on both sides of a case;
• Learn to “think on your feet”;
• Honing legal analysis and persuasive speech skills;
• Excellent experience to have on a resume for job search.

Mock Trial
Students interested in becoming a trial lawyer are encouraged to try out for the National Mock Trial competition. Participants learn how to prepare witnesses for trial, develop their style in direct and cross-examination and conduct opening statements and closing arguments to a jury.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
For students interested in alternative dispute resolution, the ABA Negotiation Competition is an excellent way to hone their skills.

For more details regarding academic credit, selection of participants and reimbursement of expenses, go to the UNM Law School Bulletin & Handbook of Policies.

Competition Descriptions

American Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition
Animal Law Moot Court Competition
Environmental Moot Court Competition
Hispanic National Bar Association Moot Court Competition
Jessup International Moot Court Competition
National Mock Trial Competition
National Moot Court Competition
National Native American Moot Court Competition
Williams Institute Moot Court Competition