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First-Year Student Talent Shines at the Alvina Reckman-Myers Moot Court Competition

AUWCL Moot Court Honor Society competition showcases appellate advocacy skills of first-year students 

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The American University Washington College of Law Moot Court Honor Society hosted its annual Alvina Reckman-Myers First-Year Moot Court Competition this past weekend.  Named in honor of the wife of former Dean John Sherman Myers, the competition provides first-year students the valuable opportunity to test their appellate oral advocacy skills in a low-stakes environment. Participants receive substantive feedback from members of the Moot Court Honor Society, aiding in their development.  

The event also prepares first-year students for their Legal Rhetoric spring oral argument and Moot Court's Spring Qualifying Tournament (SQT).  

The Alvina Reckman-Myers competition attracts a significant number of first-year law students, made evident in this year's participation of 96 1Ls who dedicated up part of their weekend to compete.   

After opening remarks on Saturday, January 20, two preliminary rounds took place. On Sunday, January 21, 32 competitors advanced to the elimination rounds, culminating in a face-off between four finalists: Elise Hall and Gabriela Dickson La Rotta for the petitioner, and Noor Chawla and Vineeta Chauhan for the respondent. The final rounds were judged by professors Elizabeth Beske, Paul Figley, and Thomas Bondy.   

Elisa Hall from the petitioner and Noor Chawla from the respondent emerged as the winners, as decided by the panel of judges.  

Expressing gratitude, members of the Moot Court Honor Society extend their appreciation to all those involved in the competition.   

Professor Steve Wermiel, acknowledging the voluntary nature of the moot court and the commendable efforts of the first-year WCL students, remarked, “It is inspiring to see so many first-year WCL students challenge themselves in a moot court that is completely voluntary and rise to the occasion to do something most have never done before, present appellate arguments. It put a smile on my face for the talent that exists at WCL and for the future of the legal profession.” 

See event photos here: https://www.auwclphotos.com/Events-2023-2024/MootCourtHonorSocietyCompetition-1-20-24 

~Story by Liz Newton.