Student Competitions

At UMass Law, students have opportunities outside of the classroom to continue to build their advocacy, writing, and critical thinking skills. We have a tradition of excelling at regional advocacy events and encourage new participants.

Advocacy Competitions

Trial Advocacy

Students at UMass Law are able to participate in both mock trial competitions, which simulate a trial-level court proceeding, and moot court competitions, which simulate an appellate-level proceeding, through on-campus student organizations.

Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition

Through UMass Law’s International Law Students Association (ILSA), law students are able to participate in Jessup, the world’s largest moot court competition. Students who participate in Jessup also receive academic credit. Interested students should contact ILSA.

The Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition and the Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Competition

Through UMass Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), law students are able to participate in both a mock trial competition and a moot court competition run by National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). Interested students should contact BLSA.

Client Counseling

American Bar Association Client Counseling Competition

UMass Law students who have completed Legal Skills III may participate in the ABA’s Client Counseling Competition, which assesses fundamental lawyering skills such as interviewing and counseling clients. Interested students should contact Dean Cahill.

Legal Writing Competitions

Students at UMass Law are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of legal writing competitions. For a comprehensive list of writing competition opportunities organized by subject area, please see iCompete Writing, a resource created by Suffolk Law School.