Excellence in Legal Advocacy

The Appellate Moot Court Board is one of the most challenging and rewarding opportunities available to law students.

Designed for those who thrive under pressure, our appellate advocacy program challenges students to sharpen their legal writing and defend their positions under intense judicial scrutiny. Unlike a trial, moot court focuses on the appeal process. Students argue legal principles and precedents rather than presenting evidence or examining witnesses.

"When I look back at law school, moot court stands out as the defining part of my experience. It wasn't just an extracurricular, but an opportunity to learn how to collaborate with others, develop my writing and advocacy skills, and shape how I think about complex legal issues. I lean on those lessons in my litigation practice every single day and am immensely grateful for my time on moot court."

Daniel C. Smolsky, L '23

Our results are impressive. Time and again, our students bring home top honors for both oral and written advocacy. Students have the opportunity to earn between one (1) and seven (7) academic credits through membership, enrollment in an appellate advocacy class, and if given the opportunity, participation in one or more regional or national competitions. 

Moot Court isn’t just an extracurricular—it’s a competitive, professional-grade experience that sets students apart. If you’re serious about advocacy, this is where your reputation is built.

President: Emily Veltri, 3L

Vice President: Elizabeth Stern, 3L

Secretary-Treasurer: Kaelyn Underwood, 3L

Director of Competitions: Drew Gudenburr, 3L

Social Media Manager: Peyton Norton, 3L

 

Ciaran Lamb, 3L

Darren Mackenzie, 3L

Lewis Richardson, 3L

Joe Kelly, 3L

Emma Coiner, 2L

Olivia Brophy, 2L

Jordan Timmons, 2L

Liz Richman, 2L

Jack Forsythe, 2L

Jackson Vento, 2L

Megan Goldstein, 2L

Madison Eidemueller, 2L

Collin Ishimaru, 2L

Harry Hayden, 2L

Jason Sweeney, 2L

Luke Lacher, 2L

Alyssa Volomino, 2L

Breanna Tomsey, 2L

Applying to AMCB is open to all second semester 1L students. Acceptance into the program is based on previous law school performance as well as submission of a strong application. More information about the application process will be available in Fall 2025. For any questions, please contact appellateadmin@duq.edu.

AMCB members have the opportunity to represent the school at prestigious appellate moot court competitions across the country. These competitions challenge students to develop much needed skills for the courtroom as well as providing them with invaluable experience and recognition within the legal community.

Our teams regularly compete in the following competitions:
  • National Appellate Advocacy Competition
  • William B. Spong, Jr. Moot Court Tournament
  • WVU National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competitions
  • Duberstein Bankruptcy Competition

Since its start in 2011, our students have won over 40 Best Brief and Best Advocate awards.

RAISING THE BAR

Our Awards, Wins, and Honors

2ndPlace

Duberstein Bankruptcy Regional Competition (2024)

BestAdvocate

National Appellate Advocacy Competition (2025)

BestBrief

National Telecommunications and Technology Competition (2024)

BestAdvocate

Duberstein Bankruptcy Competition (2024)

BestAdvocate

National Appellate Advocacy Competition (2024)

2ndPlace

WVU National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competition (2023)

1stPlace

Touro National Moot Court Competition in Law & Religion (2023)

1stPlace

Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition (2021)

 

Headshot of Anna Maria Sicenica

“Working with 1Ls and 2Ls in these roles has been the highlight of my Law School experience, as I have loved getting to know the students and seeing their progression in their writing and oral advocacy.”

Anna Maria Sicenica, L’23 Louis Del Duca Memorial Award Winner, Attorney at McGuire Woods
The Story Behind the Quote

Moot Court Competitions Alphabetically

Contact Us

Erin Karsman

Executive Director, Thomas R. Kline Center for Judicial Education; Adjunct Professor and Director of the Appellate Moot Court Program, Duquesne Kline School of Law

Amy Kerlin

Adjunct Professor, Associate at ReedSmith

Clare Merante

Executive Administrative Assistant