Moot Court and Trial Advocacy Competitions

Students compete in appellate moot court and trial advocacy competitions nationwide, and the Law School also is home to one of the most famous moot court competitions.


William Minor Lile Moot Court Competition

About 50 second-year students, competing in two-person teams, hone their oral argument skills in the annual William Minor Lile Moot Court Competition. Distinguished federal and state judges preside in the semifinal and final rounds. Winners receive a cash prize and their names are inscribed on a plaque located outside the three moot courtrooms.

Teams of students chosen from among those entered in the competition may represent the Law School in the national Moot Court Competition and other extramural competitions nationwide.

Extramural Moot Court

Extramural Moot Court allows students to compete in moot competitions nationwide. More

Mock Trial at UVA Law

The Mock Trial team provides an opportunity for law students to hone their trial advocacy skills and represents the School of Law in nationwide mock trial competitions. More

Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Team

Each year law students compete in the Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition, the largest moot court competition in the world, with over 100 countries and 500 law schools participating. The competition simulates a dispute before the International Court of Justice and participating students gain expertise in both public and private international law. Selection for the Jessup Team is based upon a formal tryout and an interview.

International Tax Moot Court Competition

Students participate in the International Tax Moot Court Competition, which brings teams from all over the world to Belgium to simulate a tax-treaty dispute. Selection for the team is based on an application and requires enrollment in Professor Ruth Mason's International Tax Practicum.

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