In early February, Miami Law students Raini Butler, Megan Neubauer, and Megan Williams represented Miami Law in the 27th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition. As members of the International Moot Court, the team competed virtually in the North American Regional Rounds hosted by the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. This year's competition theme was "Deep-Sea Mining and State Responsibility." After submitting their brief in November, the team spent countless hours preparing for the oral rounds.
"The preparation leading up to the competition involved an abundance of teamwork, trusting each other, and our coach Professor Arias' unparalleled guidance and teaching," said Butler.
After competing in three preliminary rounds, the team advanced to the semifinals, where a swift victory led them to the final round. "As a team, we are all incredibly appreciative of the positive and encouraging feedback the judges provided after each round," said Williams.
Butler, Neubauer, and Williams walked away with a much-deserved victory and earned the title “Champions of the North American Regional Round.” Additionally, Neubauer earned the award of Second-Best Oralist of the Preliminary Rounds. The team is now preparing for the International Rounds, which will take place in mid-April.
"Winning the regional rounds is incredibly rewarding, but we look forward to the work ahead of us," Neubauer said.
As part of the International Moot Court Program, students gain experience in honing their written and oral advocacy skills while representing the University of Miami School of Law in various legal competitions worldwide.
"This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it is only the second time UM has competed in this moot, and it continues to be a valuable learning experience for all involved," said Paula Arias, lecturer in law and director of the program.
Read more about Miami Law's moot programs
