The Quinnipiac Moot Court Honor Society assists students in their development of the research, writing and oral advocacy skills that are essential to effective appellate advocacy.
Each year, the society hosts the Dean Terence H. Benbow Intramural Moot Court Competition for eligible 2L, 3L and 4L students. Competitors research and brief a hypothetical problem and deliver a series of oral arguments before panels of judges. Following the competition, the society's executive board invites competitors who performed well to join the society.
Once in the society, members are afforded ample opportunities to learn how to conduct efficient legal research, draft persuasive appellate briefs and deliver articulate oral arguments through participation in various interscholastic appellate advocacy competitions.
The society annually sends teams to the following competitions:
- American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition
- New York City Bar Association National Moot Court Competition
- Gabrielli National Family Law Moot Court Competition
- Mugel National Tax Moot Court Competition
- Ruby R. Vale Corporate Moot Court Competition
Additionally, the society has, in the past, sent teams to the Dean Jerome Prince Evidence Competition, the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the Herbert Wechsler National Criminal Law Moot Court Competition, the National Health Law Moot Court Competition co-sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Schools of Law and Medicine and other national competitions.
In addition to serving as opportunities for students to develop critical legal skills, the interscholastic competitions also provide Quinnipiac students with the invaluable benefit of competing against and socializing with peers from other excellent law schools around the country.
The society also has assisted 1L students in their preparations for the summary judgment oral arguments that are required as part of the first-year Legal Skills curriculum. Recognizing that practice enhances performance, the society hosts oral advocacy practice rounds for interested 1L students annually. Additionally, the society aids local high school students in their preparation for American civics and constitutional competitions.
The Moot Court Honor Society strives to assist students in their development of effective appellate advocacy skills. Even if members do not become appellate advocates in practice, the skills they develop through their participation in the society will benefit them in whatever endeavors they pursue.
For more information about the Quinnipiac University School of Law Moot Court Honor Society, please call 203-582-3228 or send an e-mail to mootcourt@quinnipiac.edu.
2009-2010 Executive Board:
President: Amanda Gordon
Vice President: Alex-John Ricciardone
Executive Director: Kristen Boyle
Executive Financial Director: Brian Valko
Executive Editor: Renee Walker
Executive Director of Community Affairs: Stephanie Ma