Written by: Caitlin.Childs@unt.edu
Moot Court is one of the most engaging and successful extracurricular student organizations
at The University of North Texas. The nationally ranked program offers students experiential, curricular, and travel opportunities in law and policy
competitions arguing the most important issues of our times. Twenty to thirty students
join the team each year, ready to hone their critical thinking, analytical reasoning,
and public speaking skills while preparing for a future in law school or advocacy
and communications.
"Moot Court has given me my group of friends and a network of similarly-minded passionate
individuals, and I've grown significantly in my advocacy skills. In short, Moot Court
made coming to UNT feel like coming home." - Hillary Shah Senior, Political Science
and Economics double major
Moot Court competitions are designed to simulate appellate court arguments after cases
have been decided in trial courts. These competitions allow students to develop career
skills in a practical setting which can be applied to virtually all walks of life
where effective communication and advocacy are needed. Moot Court tournaments require
large numbers of volunteer judges and support for the team to travel to over twelve
tournaments per year. Moot Court is always looking for volunteers to assist in these
competitions. If you are a former mooter, law student, graduate student, attorney,
business entrepreneur, faculty member, or judge, your skills and expertise are needed
to help train the next generation. If you are interested in participating, please
contact Kimi King at kimi.king@unt.edu for more information.
UNT Moot Court has done exceptionally well for the budget and size of the university
- the team is currently ranked 7th in the nation for oral advocacy overall, and 4th for public universities. The team has moved forward despite the global health crisis,
and all tournaments this season will be online. It is exciting because this means
that the team will have the opportunity to attend more tournaments and competitions
than in previous years. It also poses challenges because university facilities cannot
accommodate groups, and some of the teams are exclusively remote. Transitioning to
a fully virtual and remote setting requires students have additional resources such
as reliable WiFi, computers with webcams and microphones, as well as background screens
and podium to present a competitive professional appearance.
If you are interested in making a difference by helping to train the next generation
of law and policy leaders and advocates, please visit the link here.