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.

Historic Season

Winning NAAC team with the judges

“This is a historic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of these students and the way they represented Duquesne Kline on the national stage.”

Dean April Barton on the historic championship win at the 2026 ABA NAAC Nationals
Explore the Victory
Jessup team holding american flag

"Brophy achieved an individual distinction that had never before existed: she was named the first-ever single #1 Best Advocate in the United States out of 360 advocates."

Erin Karsman Director of the Appellate Moot Court Program
Success Story
Music law team with judges and trophies

"2Ls Emma Coiner, Liz Richman and Megan Goldstein went undefeated through five rounds of competition before claiming first place in the final round."

Amy Kerlin, L'18 Adjunct Professor of Law
Competition Recap

President: Luke Lacher, 3L

Vice President: Jack Forsythe, 3L

Secretary/Treasurer: Jason Sweeney, 3L

Director of Competitions: Olivia Brophy, 3L

Director of Outreach: Alyssa Volomino, 3L

Director of Social Media: Emma Coiner, 3L

Oral Argument Coordinator: Liz Richman

Director: Professor Erin Karsman


Jordan Timmons, 3L

Jackson Vento, 3L

Megan Goldstein, 3L

Madison Eidemueller, 3L

Collin Ishimaru, 3L

Harry Hayden, 3L

Breanna Tomsey, 3L

Elizabeth Arbie, 2L

Dillon Brown, 2L

Reno DiCesare, 2L

Erin Dobbins, 2L

Joe Ebbert, 2L

Jacob Giotto, 2L

Eliza Glunt, 2L

Rachel Mott, 2L

Braden Niles, 2L

Haley Passione, 2L

Eva Spangler, 2L

Cassady Tercek, 2L

Emily Theroux, 2L

Katelyn Waranavage, 2L

Jack Wentz, 2L

Joe Wyche, 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 Spring 2027. 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

1stPlace

National Appellate Advocacy Competition (2026)

BestAdvocate

Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition

1stPlace

Cleveland State University School of Law Rock and Roll Moot Court Festival (2026)

FinalFour

ABA National Negotiation Skills Competition (2026)

BestBrief

Notre Dame National Appellate Advocacy Tournament for Religious Freedom (2026)

BestOralist

Seigenthaler-Sutherland Cup National First Amendment Moot Court Competition

BestAdvocate

ABA 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, Attorney at K&L Gates

Clare Merante

Executive Administrative Assistant