Competitions & Trial Advocacy

Build skills, gain experience, and represent Brandeis Law on the national stage.

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At the Brandeis School of Law, students gain hands-on legal experience by competing—and succeeding—in local, national, and international competitions. These programs challenge students to apply their legal knowledge in real-world settings while sharpening their skills in oral advocacy, negotiation, trial strategy, client counseling, and legal writing.

Through a strong tradition of competitive excellence—including multiple national championships—our students build confidence, strengthen professional networks, and receive one-on-one guidance from dedicated faculty and alumni mentors.

Participation in these opportunities reflects our belief that legal education is not only about mastering the law but about learning how to use it with clarity, civility, and purpose.

Core Opportunities

Oral Advocacy & Trial Skills

Brandeis Law students begin developing courtroom skills early through internal competitions like the First-Year Oral Advocacy Competition and the Pirtle-Washer Moot Court Competition, which serve as training grounds for national trial and appellate advocacy teams.

National & Regional Competitions

Our students regularly compete in prestigious tournaments across the country, often coached by faculty and alumni who bring real-world experience to their mentoring. Brandeis Law teams have participated in:

  • ABA Arbitration, Negotiation, and Client Counseling Competitions
  • AAJ Student Trial Advocacy Competition
  • NYU Immigration Law Moot Court Competition
  • Wagner Labor Law Moot Court Competition
  • Wechsler Criminal Law, Pace Environmental, and Kaufman Securities Law Moots
  • Kentucky Intrastate Mock Trial
  • Transactional LawMeet and Saul Lefkowitz Trademark Competition
  • National Moot Court and Tax Competitions

Brandeis Law has earned national recognition, with championship titles in 1999, 2000, 2008, 2011, and 2016.

Legal Writing & Research Competitions

In addition to courtroom-focused programs, students may participate in writing competitions that hone research and persuasive writing skills. Popular contests include:

  • Justice Essay Competition
  • Legal Ethics Writing Competition
  • IP and eDiscovery Writing Competitions
  • Kentucky Bar Association’s Annual Writing Contest
  • Employee Benefits Writing Competition

Many of these contests offer cash awards, recognition in professional publications, and direct feedback from practicing attorneys.

How to Get Involved

Students interested in competitions are encouraged to participate in internal tryouts coordinated by the Moot Court and Professional Skills Competition Board. Selection is based on demonstrated skill and commitment, and all teams receive coaching support and preparation from faculty or local attorneys.

Whether you're aiming to compete nationally or exploring legal writing opportunities, these programs offer a powerful way to apply your learning, stand out to employers, and grow as a legal professional.