Moot Court Board Breathes New Life into Student Competitions

There is a welcoming change taking place with the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board. Historically, the student-run organization is well known for recruiting and training the finest oral and written advocates at the law school. The organization, which limits its new membership to the top seven percent of the first year class, has consistently ranked among the top 20 moot court teams in the nation. This year, executive board members are looking to become more visible and accessible to the student body, faculty and local professionals.

By UM News 10-27-2011

"I want it to be something so prestigious that every law student wants to be involved," said Eric Olson, president of the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board. He plans on doing so by taking advantage of its strong alumni base as a resource.

Earlier this month, the organization held its first-annual Moot Court Alumni Reception at Greenberg Traurig. The event helped to kick off the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Negotiation Competitions, which are currently taking place. Olson said the event could not have happened without the assistance of Jaret Davis, JD '99. Davis, a Managing Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, was also a member of the Moot Court Board and the University of Miami Law Review while in law school.

"That was an amazing opportunity to be able to take 60 students into one of the largest law firms in Miami and introduce them to judges, alumni and industry professionals," Olson said. The president believes that students are looking for more these days. "It's about connecting students with people who can mentor them."

In February, the Moot Court Board will host the first-ever 11th Circuit Bankruptcy Cup, details of which are still unfolding.

This week, the Negotiation Competition is taking place. A total of 22 teams, made up of 44 students, have participated with the hope of advancing to the finals, which is taking place today at 7:30 p.m. in room E352. The winning team will advance to the American Bar Association sponsored regional in Raleigh, N.C.

Other upcoming events* include:

Negotiation Competition Final round
October 27, Room E352 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
A reception to follow in the faculty lounge

Fall Advanced Moot Court Competition Final round
November 11, Room E352 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
A reception to follow in the faculty lounge

National Moot Court Competition Final practice round
November 14, in Room F209 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

11th Circuit Bankruptcy Cup Final Round
February 25, i6n Room E352 from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
A formal reception to follow, place TBA

* Events are open to the public.