UC Law SF Tops National Moot Court Rankings

UC Law SF students recently scored a major victory.

3Ls Laura Anderson and Miranda Rowley argued their way to a fourth national championship in the 2018-19 academic year for UC Law SF Moot Court, with a win at the 34th Annual Dean Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Competition late last month. The duo bested 31 other teams along the way.

The win places UC Law SF in the top spot for moot court programs nationally, according to rankings compiled by the Blakely Advocacy Institute at the University of Houston Law Center.

“Winning is nice, but it’s about getting the opportunity to see all our hard work pay off,” said Rowley, who serves as Moot Court co-chair. “Being able to work with my teammate, Laura, and seeing how far we have come from our first practice to the final round is really rewarding.”

In addition to the team victory, Anderson was awarded Best Oral Advocate in the final round.

The competition tests the students’ knowledge of the law by evaluating their legal writing and oral advocacy skills. Students submit written briefs in February and participate in a simulated courtroom experience in March.

The team received valuable guidance from alumni coach Madihha Ahussain ‘12, special counsel for anti-Muslim bigotry at Muslim Advocates, and student coach Brittany Smith.

3Ls Laura Anderson and Miranda Rowley (from left to right) after the 34th Annual Dean Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Competition. Photo // Brittany Smith

UC Law SF has a stellar record at the Prince Memorial Evidence Competition. In eight of the last 11 years, UC Law SF has either won best brief, competed in the finals or has been awarded the championship.

“UC Law SF Moot Court success is based on the hard work, dedication and commitment of our talented students, devoted alumni, superb coaches, judges, hosts, donors, teachers, teaching assistants and staff,” said Toni Young, senior assistant dean of Legal Writing and Research.

“We are proud because so many members of the UC Law SF community had a part in this accomplishment,” Young said. “When fantastic people work together with a common goal, victories happen.”

Going into this year, both Anderson and Rowley said the team had a shared vision of moving up the ranks. In 2017-2018, UC Law SF ranked 5th.

“The entire team really helped put UC Law SF Moot Court back on top by going to practices, judging for each other and doing really well at their own competitions,” Rowley said.

“It was always my goal to do really well and try to give back to the department because they have put so much effort and faith in us,” she said. “So being able to come back with two championships this year and be a part of that legacy and give back to the school is a great feeling.”

UC Law SF’ strong moot court program also opens doors for its students.

“The Moot Court program has prepared me to be a litigator,” said Anderson, who will be working in the Alameda District Attorney’s Office after graduation. “Having the opportunity to do this has really improved my skills.”