The University of Miami School of Law’s Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board ranked #1 in Florida and #12 nationwide in 2025 is currently riding a wave of competitive excellence this academic year. From New York to Boston, Miami Law students are proving that the "U" is a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom, securing top honors at two of the nation’s most rigorous appellate advocacy competitions.
In New York, the team of Tori Vasquez, 3L, and Carla Rubio, 2L, delivered a powerhouse performance at the Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition. Hosted by the New York Law School Moot Court Association, this prestigious event celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Out of 40 competing teams from across the country, Vasquez and Rubio made it to the Final Round and brought home the coveted Best Respondent Brief Award.
Practical training yielding top results
For Vasquez, the victory was the culmination of years of integrated training at the School of Law. "Our preparation for Wagner actually began long before the competition itself," she said. "Between the appellate brief and oral argument components of the Legal Communication and Research Skills curriculum and the intramural John T. Gaubatz Moot Court Competition, I was able to draw on those earlier experiences as a foundation."
Rubio, who initially saw herself in transactional law, found the experience transformative. "The most significant skill I’ve gained is fearlessness," Rubio said. "Standing at the podium, I felt confident in my preparation. Every time a judge tried to knock me off, I held my ground. That kind of composure can’t be taught in a classroom."
Regional finalists and best brief out of 36 teams
At the ABA Law Student Division National Appellate Advocacy Competition Boston Regional, Sharon Shenderovskiy, 3L, and Nathaniel Manor, 2L, were an advocacy duo tough to beat. The team went undefeated (3-0) in the preliminary rounds, entering the knockout stage as the number 1 seed. They finished as Regional Finalists, falling only on a narrow ballot vote despite winning the final round on points.
The team’s written work was equally dominant, earning the Best Brief Award in a field of 36 teams. Individually, Manor was recognized as the 5th-best Oral Advocate out of 80 students.
"Winning the Best Brief Award was especially meaningful, as the brief represented three intense weeks of nonstop work that Sharon and I poured into the project," said Manor. "Moot Court has taught me how to use my voice in the courtroom setting and how to creatively persuade a bench that my client’s position is the correct one."
Shenderovskiy echoed the sentiment, highlighting the practical application of their studies. "The most significant lawyering skill I've gained is the ability to apply my research skills to formulate an argument on behalf of a client," she said. "Rather than just learning the law, moot court allows us to interpret critical issues and craft arguments that are persuasive."
The alumni advantage: A Miami Law tradition
A defining thread in Miami Law’s success is its deep-rooted connection to its alumni. Unlike many programs that rely solely on faculty, Miami Law’s Moot Court Board leverages a vast network of graduates who return to coach the next generation.
For the Wagner team, Judge Edwin G. Torres and Professor of Legal Writing Annette Torres, J.D .’93, provided the guiding hand. The NAAC team was led by Daniel Poterek, J.D.’10, and Monica Segura, J.D. ’06. These alumni-mentors offer students a rare bridge between academic theory and the realities of practice.
"Our coaches were instrumental every step of the way," Vasquez said. "They brought two extra sets of eyes, impressive expertise, and the kind of encouragement that kept me improving."
Manor agrees, noting the impact their guidance had on the team’s success. “Working with Daniel and Monica was truly one of the greatest gifts I could’ve asked for,” he said. “Beyond helping us prepare for the competition with their unmatched expertise and much-needed words of wisdom, they have become genuine mentors whom I know will remain part of my life and career for many years to come.”
Read more about the School of Law’s moot court programs.
Read more about the School of Law’s Litigation, Arbitration, and Dispute Resolution area of study.
