The University of Miami School of Law’s Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board has officially cemented its status as an elite powerhouse in legal advocacy. Following a season of extraordinary success, the Board concluded the academic year ranked #3 in the nation by the Blakely Advocacy Institute at the University of Houston Law Center for the second time in its history and maintained its stronghold as the #1 ranked program in Florida.
The jump to the national top three represents a resurgent finish for the program, which climbed nine spots from its previous year’s ranking. This achievement places Miami Law ahead of nearly every private and public institution in the country, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for aspiring litigators.
A culture of excellence
Farah Barquero, director of Law Reviews & Moot Court Programs, attributed the historic finish to a "collective effort" involving students, faculty, and the legal community.
“This accomplishment reflects the entire moot court community,” said Barquero. “Our students’ hard work and discipline, the dedication of our coaches, the continued support and mentorship of our alumni, and the guidance of our faculty and advisors all played a vital role in this success. Climbing nine spots in the national rankings from last year is a testament to the strength, growth, and momentum of our program.”
Central to this growth is the program's deep connection to its graduates. Susan Fleischner Kornspan, J.D. '90, chair of the Alumni Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of this lifelong network:
“The success of our program reflects the evolution of our vision of building a program beyond their years as a law student. Training, mentoring, and supporting students...are a first and continual step to building and enhancing a strong alumni network of dedicated coaches, judges, and advisors. Each year as we are strengthened by the induction of new student members, we are likewise strengthened by the induction of our new graduate members. That partnership...never stops growing and never stops improving.”
Tori Vasquez, the 2025-2026 president of the Moot Court Board, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the bond shared by the competitors.
"The team's energy and dedication made this season truly inspiring to be a part of. We are not only proud of this achievement, but also of the culture we built, grounded in genuine support and teamwork,” said Vasquez. “Our graduating members are excited to see the team continue to excel under the new Executive Board's leadership. We are already looking forward to the 2026 Gaubatz Competition!"
Season highlights:
The 2025–2026 competition cycle was defined by a series of championship wins and tournament runs across the country. The momentum began in June 2025 at the Robert Orseck Memorial Moot Court Competition, where David Malka and Marianne Adams were crowned champions. Both students swept the individual honors, with Malka named Best Advocate of the Preliminary Rounds and Adams taking home Best Advocate for the Final Round.
The winning streak continued throughout the spring. In February 2026, the trio of Gabriella Socarras, Jacob Needle, and Yehuda Gannon captured the Cristol, Kahn, Paskay (CKP) Cup, with Socarras also recognized as the Second-Best Advocate. Just a month later, Aly Kirsch and Cameron Thorne secured another title, winning the Herbert Wechsler National Criminal Law Moot Court Competition, where Kirsch was honored as the Second-Best Advocate.
The Papy Board also demonstrated remarkable consistency, reaching the finals or semi-finals in several of the most prestigious competitions in the nation, including:
- Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Competition: Finalists (Hunter Keyes, Avery Hall, and Carla Rubio), earning Second Best Brief.
- Moot Court National Championship: Semi-Finalists (Yelena Gladyr and Fernando Yzquierdo), earning Second Best Brief and Yzquierdo named Best Advocate.
- Robert F. Wagner Labor & Employment Law Competition: Finalists (Tori Vasquez and Carla Rubio), winning Best Respondent Brief.
- ABA NAAC Boston Regional: Regional Finalists (Sharon Shenderovskiy and Nathaniel Manor), winning Best Brief.
The Board also reached the semi-finals at the E. Earle Zehmer National, the Emory Civil Rights and Liberties, the Seigenthaler-Sutherland Cup, the John J. Gibbons Criminal Procedure, and the Irving R. Kaufman Memorial Securities competitions.
Looking ahead
The #3 national ranking serves as a testament to the program’s upward trajectory. By combining rigorous internal training with a vast network of alumni mentors, Miami Law has created a sustainable model for excellence in advocacy.
As the Board prepares for the next cycle, the focus remains on the future. “As we celebrate this accomplishment, we remain focused on what lies ahead,” said Barquero. “We are committed to building on this momentum and continuing to represent the University of Miami with excellence, professionalism, and pride.”
For the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board, the goal for next year is clear: continuing the climb to the very top.
Read more about the School of Law’s moot court programs.
