The University of Miami School of Law has unmatched programs in litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution. On the heels of this training, the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board has been recognized as a national powerhouse, finishing as the 12th-best moot court team in the country and the top team in Florida. This impressive ranking comes from the Blakely Advocacy Institute at the University of Houston Law Center, which annually evaluates moot court programs nationwide.
“This year, the Moot Court Board upheld its tradition of excellence with unwavering resolve, earning top honors in both oral advocacy and brief writing across multiple competitions,” said Farah Barquero, director of programs. “The ranking is a testament to our resilience, preparation, and enduring standard of excellence.”
Unique Approach to Hands-on Learning
What sets Miami Law's program apart from most others is its commitment to hands-on learning through a robust network of legal professionals. The program features over 200 alumni, sitting judges, and practicing attorneys who volunteer their time to train students and judge their competitions. This direct mentorship provides students with invaluable feedback and real-world insights, preparing them for the rigors of legal practice.
Miami Law also stands out for having the most robust international moot court program in the country. Students travel the globe to compete in multiple languages, gaining a unique perspective on international law and honing their skills on a global stage. This comprehensive training has yielded exceptional results over the past 22 years, with moot court members collectively winning 107 Best Oralist awards, 62 Best Brief awards, and 30 overall competitions.
The true measure of the program’s success, however, lies in its impact on student careers. The intensive training in written and oral advocacy ensures that students are not just competitive in tournaments but are also prepared to become effective practicing attorneys from day one.
Recent Accolades
Miami Law's teams had an outstanding year, earning numerous accolades across a variety of competitions, including:
- Hicks Thomas Moot Court National Championship: Quarterfinalist
- Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition: Quarterfinalist and Best Brief Runner-Up
- NYU Immigration Moot Court Competition: Best Brief
- International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition - Americas Regional: Quarterfinalist
- Thurgood Marshall Memorial Moot Court Competition: Semifinalist and Best Oralist
- Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Competition: Quarterfinalist & Best Respondent Oral Advocate Award
- NYC Bar National Moot Court Competition - Region 9: Regional Finalist
- Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition: Winners, Best Oral Advocate in Preliminary Rounds, and Best Oral Advocate in Final Round
“We look forward to the upcoming competition season with great anticipation, ready to reach even greater heights and build on the momentum of our success,” said Barquero.
Read more about Miami Law’s Litigation, Arbitration, & Dispute Resolution area of study.