Appellate Moot Court Board

Chapman’s Appellate Moot Court Board offers selected students the opportunity to develop oral and written advocacy skills learned in the classroom by applying them in simulated arguments before the Supreme Court.

Each spring, every 1L student competes in a competition where the top eight oralists are invited to become members of the Board.  Local judges, lawyers, legal scholars, and Board members serve as judges.  A few months later in the fall, the Board conducts an in-house competition for 2Ls where approximately twelve of the top oralists and brief writers are given invitations. 

Membership on the Board provides an excellent opportunity for these elite students to test their advocacy skills.  As Board members, students are eligible to represent the Law School in regional and national competitions.  Chapman team members receive academic credit for the time, effort, and commitment required to prepare successful written and oral presentations.  Each team researches an assigned issue, composes and refines a written brief, and polishes its oral presentation through numerous practice rounds judged by faculty and fellow Board members. Participation on the Board fosters a sense of accomplishment, teamwork, and school pride.  Recent unprecedented success is evidence of Chapman’s growing reputation as a Moot Court powerhouse.